Location is everything, they say. Auburn's being located near Wayne Dinsmore's grandchildren has given the city another energetic civic leader.

Dinsmore will take time out from grandfathering this weekened to be chairman of the 13th Annual Auburn Autumn Days.

He and his wife Nancy have for almost two years owned and operated The Lion and the Lamb, an antique shop on the Public Square, directly behind U.S. Bank.

They moved to Auburn three years ago, finding it the ideal spot to be near their four grandchildren, who live in Bowling Green.

This is Wayne's second Autumn Days to be chairman of Auburn Tourism, which sponsors the event each second Saturday of September. He loves his adopted hometown and wants to do whatever he can to help draw visitors to Auburn.

"We gave away some 'Auburn Dollars' during the Kentucky State Fair, and as a result some people from Louisville came here to shop recently," he says proudly. "They spent the night and ate in Russellville, and then shopped here. We need more of that."

Dinsmore also is a member of the Logan County Tourist and Convention Commission, which is also listed as a sponsor of Autumn Days.

There's a lot to do in Auburn tonight and Saturday.

It begins with a new feature, the Bingo and bean supper at the Auburn Fire Department. The eating begins at 6 p.m. with Bingo from 7-9.

Saturday's activities begin with a a pancake breakfast at the American Legion from 7-10 a.m.

From 8 a.m. throughout most of the day, vendors will have crafts, antiques, collectibles, food, etc. for sale downtown. The number of booths has increased to over 80, up about a third from last year, Dinsmore says.

One of the booths will be a Native American exhibit by Hawks International Tribal Council.

Displays will also be at the Auburn Museum from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (featuring the Civil War), the Auburn Baptist Church Fellowship Hall (modular railroad) from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., and the old Auburn City Hall/Senior Citizens Center (quilt show) from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m..

Live music will be available from 10 a.m. through 4 p.m. on the grounds of the Linton House adjacent to the Square. A number of choirs and groups performed last year.

Kids will have lots to do, since there will be 4-H horse and pony rides along with games at the park. A trackless railroad will be available to take them there.

Shriners clowns, who are also a part of the annual Christmas Parade, will be in Auburn during the day.

Saturday night, the annual steak dinner and silent auction will be held from 5-8 p.m. at the fire hall. The Logan County FFA Alumni will do the cooking.

As usual, a raffle will be held for a cherry sugar chest handcrafted by Colonial House Furniture of Auburn.

Of course, Auburn businesses such as The Lion and The Lamb will be open for business, handing out Auburn Dollars in the process.

The Dinsmores came from Ohio to Bowling Green 33 years ago with the Chrysler plant. In 1982 they moved to Somerset. While there, they started filling a couple of antique booths at a consignment mall.

"Pretty soon it gets addictive, gets in your blood. You start looking for antique auctions to attend," Wayne Dinsmore says.

He's hoping Auburn Autumn Days will get shoppers addicted to stopping in Auburn.