Youths prepare for fair’s Junior Market Auction

At right, with the auctioneer in fast form, the bids were flying as assorted livestock strutted their stuff on their sawdusted runways at last year’s Junior Market Auction. - Observer file photo

John Leithner, co-chair of the auction committee, said he was expecting between 100 and 120 kids to participate in this year’s event, which is roughly average.

In 2007, the fair auction had a fine run, generating close to $75,000.

This year, kids raising animals for this and other auctions are facing pronounced feed and transport costs, Leithner noted.

New this year is an expedited payment schedule: Courtesy of Jeff Puckett and his Banner Bank crew, the kids will get their reward the Monday following the fair.

“That’s something that Tim (DelCurto, John’s co-chair) and I are really excited about,” said Leithner.

Just preceding Saturday’s auction, which runs from 5 to 8 p.m., last year’s buyers, prospective bidders and the public can relish the smells and tastes of a pit barbecue at 4, with FFA advisers supplying the meat and the 4-H Leaders Association the salads.

Non-buyers can purchase tickets to take part in the feast.

“For five bucks, you get a whale of a meal,” Leithner said.

Buyer check-in begins at 4 p.m.

Those unable to attend the auction in person can still help support the kids by proxy bidding. Call Leithner at 786-1750 or DelCurto at 910-8970 for arrangements.