By Shavonne Walker

shavonne.walker@salisburypost.com

CHINA GROVE — This is the final year the Horse Protection Society will open the barn doors to its biennial tack and treasure fundraiser sale. The non-profit has been hosting the sales every two years and organizers say this is the last one.

The sale will take place Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Horse Protection Society, located at 2135 Miller Road. The sale will take place inside the indoor arena and will go on rain or shine. The money raised goes to provide for expenses of running the nonprofit and feeding the horses.

The non-profit agency provides a sanctuary of last resort for abused and neglected horses. The agency was founded in 1991 by Joanie Benson and over the years has housed as many as 51 horses at one time.

This year’s sale will include a number of collectible items including R.J. Reynolds Joe Camel memorabilia, sterling silver pieces and oriental items. There are also Christmas decoration items, Wedgewood china and other dishes, pottery, art, jewelry, children’s toys, electronic items, English riding clothes, saddles — both English and Western. As well as lots of bridles, bits, winter horse blankets, halters and lead lines.

One of the featured items includes grape cart wooden boxes that were obtained from a Pennsylvania family. The boxes are original and some date to the 1950s.

There will also be homemade fudge made by Mary Stout available for sale as well as other baked goods.

Benson said the reason they’ve decided not to hold the sale again is because it’s very time consuming, but they will be exploring other fundraising opportunities in the future. Volunteers and organizers collect donated items for two years before the sale.

The electronic items are checked to ensure they work and all items are dusted and cleaned.

Contact reporter Shavonne Walker at 704-797-4253.