AUBURN – A new electronic sign that adorns Agren Appliance is flashing more than just dishwasher deals these days.

Organizers of community events such as school fundraisers, blood drives and charity functions are welcome to have their news displayed there as well.

“It seemed like an appropriate use, a kind of community bulletin board,” said Paul Baribault, marketing manager for the appliance retailer. “We’d like to do it just to be involved with the community.”

Software for the new sign arrived three weeks ago, allowing Baribault to program animated messages to motorists traveling on Minot Avenue. Right now, spectacular fireworks celebrate the Red Sox World Series win. There’s also a tribute to U.S. troops.

Last week, the sign heralded the 75th anniversary of United Way. Baribault hopes more nonprofits will take advantage of the offer.

“We’re excited to share this with the community and give events exposure,” Baribault said. Interested organizers should visit him at the store at 40 Minot Ave.

The sign has five separate messages that rotate on the three or four-minute loop. The appliance retailer has a similar sign at its Paris store, but is limited to text only. Plus, because the store is on a state road, Maine law requires that the messages remain static for 20 minutes before changing.

In Auburn, the images update every five seconds or so.

“We’re in an electronic culture,” Baribault said. “If you want to stay current with things, this is what you do.”

– Carol Coultas