If you’ve cruised through Harbert lately, chances are you’ve seen the large, painted market umbrellas sitting along Red Arrow Highway.

The Umbrellas of Harbert, as they are called, will be auctioned off this weekend to benefit local charities.

It is the eighth year for the event, which takes place Saturday at the Center of the World Showroom, 13400 Red Arrow Hwy., in Harbert.

Sponsored by the Harbert Business Association, the event raised around $10,000 last year, while attracting around 300 people.

This year’s auction is expected to feature 40 umbrellas — a record number for the event, chairman Bob Gildo said.

“They are one of a kind, and they are all different,” Gildo said. “We start at $150, and we’ve gone up to $1,300 last year.”

Gildo expects to sell the first 25 by live auction and the remainder by silent auction to keep the program from going too long.

Doors open at 5 p.m. The first hour will feature live music and entertainment, including a Frank Sinatra-style show by Buddy Carroll.

“He’s a crooner,” Gildo said.

Wine and hors d’oeuvres will be served and are included in the $10 entry fee/donation.

“The hors d’oeuvres are usually over the top — lots of good stuff,” Gildo said.

Proceeds benefit the Harbert County Scholarship Fund and the Friends of New Troy.

The umbrellas are 9 feet tall with designs painted on the top by local artists.

The majority of the umbrellas have been on display along the Red Arrow Highway for the past several weeks.

“We are really happy with the quality of the umbrellas. There are some really great ones,” Gildo said.

For more information, call (269) 469-1950.