A quarter million dollars changed hands at the Pike County Cattlemen’s Equipment Auction Saturday at Cattlemen Park.

Of that amount, about $18,000 will go into the Cattlemen’s coffer to support the Cattlemen’s facility and selected youth programs.

Johnny Garrett, Cattlemen treasurer, said the annual equipment sale raised a few more dollars than last year.

“We had more items and more people than we’ve ever had,” Garrett said. “Attendance was around 1,000 and that was a lot of folks. We were afraid the rain was going to get us or that it would keep people away but people came and they stayed. We had a little rain that scattered folks but most of them came back.”

Garrett said the Cattlemen’s 2019 equipment auction had fewer big items but a lot more small items.

“Of course, the big items usually bring more but we had enough small items that it was a good sale.”

Garrett said bidding was high for a couple of what he considered small items.

“We had an anvil and bellows that brought $750 and that surprised me,” Garrett said. “I heard a blacksmith bought it. And, a hand drill press brought the same amount. So, you just never know what items will bring.

Garrett said there seemed to be a lot of interest in the Pike County Fire Fighters travel trailer.

“It sold but I don’t know right now what they got for it, he said. “We had a few no bids but everything sold. We won’t know the exact total figure for a week or so.  It takes a week in and week out.”

Garrett expressed appreciation to all those who brought items for the auction and those who bid and bought.

“The more bids, the better,” he said. “The equipment auction is the Pike County Cattlemen’s Association’s biggest fundraiser and we thank everyone that made it a success — those who sold, those who bid, those who volunteered and those who came in support of this annual equipment sale.”