For a town with a population of 171, Genoa sure knows how to draw a crowd.
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Over 400 people turned out for the annual Genoa Auction on Saturday, with over $21,000 worth of items sold by the time bidding finished.
Genoa Hall Committee treasurer Dot De Geus said the staying power of the auction, now in its 34th year, was evident.
“It’s on par with our usual turnout; there are a lot of people we only see once a year and they’re here,” Dot said.
“It all started as a fundraiser to keep the hall open and accessible for people, but it’s not only that.
“It’s a social day and people just enjoy it for the fun of it, and a lot of them are hoping to get a bargain.
“We don’t know exactly how much we’ve raised yet, but we’re hoping to clear $4000.”
The auction gives true meaning to the phrase, ‘one man’s trash is another man’s treasure’, with everything from old tool kits to boats and trucks going under the hammer.
Dot said many punters come to the auction in the hope of swooping on items that have proven elusive.
“Sometimes people find things they’ve been hoping to get without any luck,” she said.
“Somebody was after a rabbit hutch this year and didn’t think they’d get one today, but there was one here.
“It’s also one of the only places you’ll find genuine antiques around here.”
Greg and Patricia Cooper agree, and make the trip down from Bega every year to make sure they don’t miss out on a bargain.
The couple have been coming to the auction for roughly 20 years, and Greg shared the details of his latest purchase with the Magnet during a well-earned lunch break, albeit tongue in cheek.
“I bought a lawnmower earlier on, for someone to use under the trees,” Greg laughed, with a pointed glance to his wife.
“It’s a great day and I’ve got my eye on a few things for later.
“We’ll just have to see how we’re going with time and the weather.”
The star attraction on the day, a Mitsubishi Fuso Canter truck, failed to sell, but Dot said a tinny with a motor and trailer fetched over $1400.
“We were quite happy with the day,” Dot said.
“The $21,000 sold is up on last year, and it’s the best year we’ve had for four or five years.”
