“Even if you don’t show up in a Cadillac, you may go home in one. Or, depending on the amount of Lone Star you consume, riding a horse.The possibilities are certainly intriguing, at a pair of October gala events that benefit two of Bainbridge Island’s favorite causes – literacy and taste.First up is the fourth annual Auction for the Arts, slated for Oct. 21 at Kiana Lodge just across the bridge.Billed by organizers as the fun that funds that arts, the event promises an evening of elegant amusement, with proceeds going to a quartet of island cultural organizations – Bainbridge Arts and Crafts, Bainbridge Island Arts and Humanities Council, Bainbridge Performing Arts and Bainbridge Music and Arts.The groups provide an array of services for the island, including arts education, scholarships for student artists and musicians, popular events like the quarterly Arts Walk, local theater and music productions, and several arts publications.The fund-raising event is known for the eccentricity of the auction fare, which includes unique experiences as well as carry-home goodies. Last year, auction winners wound up traveling to Minnesota to sit on-stage with Garrison Keillor during a live broadcast of Prairie Home Companion; got a real lesson in air warfare in the open cockpit of a Marchetti NATO combat trainer; and earned a trip to New York City to see a live performance of the Saturday Night Live program.This year’s fare again includes vacation trips, exclusive dinner parties, tours and art in all media.A silent auction with wine and drinks runs 5-7 p.m., with the live auction and a posh dinner following from 7-10 p.m.In terms of proceeds, it’s not the Rotary Auction – not quite yet – but it’s certainly closing the gap. Last year, the event netted $80,000; this year’s goal is $89,000, again for local arts organizations. Tickets for the Auction for the Arts are $90 per person; tables of eight can be reserved for $1,000. Limited seating, unlimited fun – for information, call 842-8569.If you’re not tapped out by the time the arts event is over, you can swap the high-falootin’ for the rootin’-tootin’ at the Bainbridge Island Library Oct. 28. That’s the evening of Boot-scootin, Bluegrass and Barbecue, the library organization’s fourth annual gala fund-raiser.The lowdown on the hoedown: bluegrass music, western art and verse, and a hearty barbecue fare. We’re encouraging casual Western attire, especially cowboy hats and boots, promoter Nick Zarkades said. For those not so attired, he said, we’ll put some straw in your pocket. We’ll have lots of that, as well as some horses and other things to make it festive.While Bainbridge Library staff salaries and book acquisitions are funded through tax dollars, the library board by choice relies on private donations for building maintenance. The need is more acute with the recent expansion project, which was itself funded solely by private donors. Last year’s event netted about $17,000 which organizers hope to better with the addition of a silent auction this time around.The bluegrass/western band Williams and Bray, which includes Bainbridge Island performers, will provide the musical entertainment.Local cowboy poets Bob McAllister, Dolf Droge and Sally Robison will read selections of verse, while western-themed photographs by island artists Chuck Kuhn and Pete Saloutos will be on display.And, as with the arts auction, attendees can cart home something interesting. About 20 pieces, including Kuhn and Saloutos photographs and a bronze sculpture by Sandy Church, will be auctioned off over the course of the evening.More about the fare: While last year’s Roaring ’20s/Jazz Age theme put martinis on the menu, this year you can count on cold beer in long-necked bottles.We hope to have some Lone Star, Zarkades said.(We were just kidding about riding the horse home – it goes back to the barn after the event. Then again, this is a fund-raiser, and you might make them an offer…)The event runs 6:30-9 p.m. Oct. 28.Admission/donations to the Library Gala is $60 per person at the Wrangler level, $120 at the Rough Rider level. Tickets are available by calling the library, 842-4162. “