Auction action picks up in the Golden Plains

For auction fans, this is one of the busiest -- and most exciting -- times of the year. So far this month, 20 different sales have been listed in the Gazette's Auction Calendar, including seven auctions today. The step-up in auction activity happens every year at this time, but area auctioneers believe this season's sale pace exceeds that of previous years. "Farm sales started picking up three years ago," said Johnny Walker of Nebraska Auction Service. "At first, the main thing being sold was machinery. Then came cattle, and now the focus is on land." At the same time, there has been an increase in the number of household sales, with a growing number of golden-age couples selling their furniture and collectibles so they can move into retirement living centers.

This has resulted in a hey-day for antique buyers, many of whom now market merchandise through e-bay. Through listing on the Internet bid clearing house, the antique and specialty product dealers have a world- wide market for products which previously were marketed only on a regional basis. At today's sales, a wide range of merchandise is being offered. Just browse through the Auction Calendar, and you will see such items as a horse drawn carriage, a gooseneck trailer, a riding mower, antiques and collectibles, lamps, toys, shop tools, a trailer, a complete roping arena, shop equipment and two horse trailers. And the sales are far-flung, ranging all the way from Indianola, to Elwood, to McCook, to Oberlin and Norton.

Auction activity will be about as brisk next weekend, with sales slated in Maywood, Stratton, Holdrege and in the country between Hayes Center and Maywood. Among the offerings on Saturday, Sept. 27th, will be a four-bedroom home, furniture, appliances, antiques, farm machinery, antique horse supplies, toys, guns and ammo, antique furniture and farm antiques. The September sales are just a start. Auctioneers report that sales activity will continue strong through November, before sales activity slows for the holiday season. But if you are an avid auction-goer, don't despair. After a brief break for the holidays, the auction season will begin anew shortly after the first of the year, steadily gaining momentum through late winter and early spring.

Whether you are going to buy, or just stopping to browse and visit, auctions are a great pastime for the people of the Golden Plains. With the forecast calling for mild temperatures, today will be a grand time to enjoy the thrill of spirited bidding and the joy of getting a precious keepsake at a bargain price.