Orleans Chamber Readies Boards In The Stores For Year Three

ORLEANS - Inside the community center building at 44 Main St., an array of customized surfboards adorn the walls. Each one represents a slice of Cape Cod with tastefully crafted depictions of beach life, local stores and landmarks.

 Boards in the Stores returns this summer, inviting the public to bid on the specially-designed six-foot boards with proceeds to support both the chamber and the local artists that designed them.

“I’m really excited for this year’s Boards in the Stores event,” said Cape Cod Chronicle Sales Director Justin Alex, a chamber board member who came up with the fundraiser concept. “It’s going to be such a joy for everyone to see and bid on amazing local artwork at our brand-new surfboard gallery inside the old firehouse at Parish Park.”

In past years, the boards were displayed inside their respective participating businesses. This year, the decision was made to keep the 39 boards together inside one location, Alex said. 

“One of the most common requests we heard from local merchants was to create a central spot to display all the boards — and that’s exactly what we’ve done,” he said. “If you haven’t seen them yet, head down there — they look better than ever!”

The chamber kicked off this year’s auction during its First Friday event on June 6. Residents and visitors can drop in to the community building and check out the boards, each of which have their own QR code that link directly to their online auction.

“We had quite a crowd on First Friday coming in, which was nice to see that they were coming in from Main Street,” said Judy Lindahl, the chamber’s executive director.

As of June 13, the auction had generated $1,750. Bids can be placed online or by text at 302-271-6824 by entering the board’s specific three-letter code and the bid amount. 

 The auction will end on Aug. 20 during the Orleans Police Department’s annual summer block party on Main Street. Lindahl said winning bidders will be able to take their boards home during the event.

 For more information on the auction, visit www.accelevents.com/e/boards-in-the-stores-2025-auction.