BIDDING for a bargain on eBay or Gumtree may be growing in popularity, but the hundreds of people expected to turn out at Allora Showgrounds this weekend shows there's still a unique charm to an eclectic community auction.

The Allora Community Auction has already attracted 1200 lot bookings and is expected to draw hundreds to the Best Little Town on the Downs on Sunday.

Allora Showgrounds caretaker Kobi Horan said there were less auctions held in some communities due to the rise of auction websites and Facebook communities.

This has caused concern about the future of the Allora Community Auction, but Miss Horan said the large number of bookings showed the annual event was still popular.

"It's nice to have that community aspect but I think people also too, you don't want to wait around for someone on Gumtree who may or may not show,” Miss Horan said.

"It's also those big ticket items, tractors and things that are considered vintage or antique farm machinery, people love to come and have a look at it even if they're not interested in buying it.”

The auction will feature a wide range of items put up for sale by residents from the Southern Downs as well as far as Goondiwindi and New South Wales.

Punters can find unexpected treasures including bric-a-brac, kitchenware, farming equipment, furniture and vehicles.

Miss Horan said the auction gave people a chance to find special items unlikely to be found anywhere else.

"When you go to an auction you have the opportunity to come across something that someone is getting rid of because it's taking up space in the garage but it's so unique and absolutely different that you can't go past it,” she said.

Markets will also be running simultaneously selling homemade goods, produce and books.

Bidding for the auction will start at the showgrounds on Darling St at 8am on Sunday and run all day.

Lot bookings will remain open until Thursday at 5pm, with items to be dropped at the venue between 8am-3pm on Friday and 8am-2.30pm on Saturday.

Punters are also able to view items from 8am-4pm on Friday and Saturday.