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The 4-H Livestock Auction is Friday and this year the event is being ordered a little differently, according to Kelly Easterday, Extension Educator - AgNR.
"In the past, we've always sold the grand champions along with the species sales," she said.
Grand and reserve champions will be auctioned off in the evening during a Sale of Champions, which begins at 7 p.m.
This year the 4-H Auction begins at 1 p.m., "so business people can work half a day and still attend the auction," Easterday said. More than 400 lots will be available.
The auction committee expects the regular sale to be finished by 5:30 p.m.
The buyers' dinner is from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m.
"The auction highlights the 4-H program and the success the kids have had with their projects. The Sale of Champions will allow us to highlight the kids even more," Easterday said.
"Celebrity" ringmen are Ernie Wiggins, mayor of Warsaw; Ron Truex, Kosciusko County commissioner; Bill Dixon, Hoosier 103.5 FM radio personality; and Craig Sherbahn, Indiana State Fair director from South Whitley. They are expected to keep track of the bids cast and keep the ante high.
"The ringmen will be outside the ring so they can pick on someone if they want to," Easterday said.
The traditional 4-H King and Queen kisses will be sold during the evening auction event, too. This year's smooches will be given by King Brent Lamb and Queen Katie Darr.
Sale bills will be available today after 7 p.m. Registration begins at the 4-H office Friday beginning at 10 a.m.
"We encourage people to attend and see what it's all about," Easterday said.
"We don't expect people to come out and buy; maybe next year they'll come back. Purchases don't have to be by individuals - buyers' groups can form, community groups can participate. There are so many options.
"And it's all tax-deductible."
Purchases go directly to the 4-H member. Buyers are encouraged to settle their bills at the sale.
Absentee bidders may contact Brock Ostrom, 260-839-4535, or Chris Lozier, 269-3086, for more information.
