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Stockman’s Banquet & Ball.....
BHSSF Stockman’s Auction Adds To A Special Evening
Rapid City, SD -- There’s nothing quite like hearing the cry of a ringman and
the auctioneer’s chant amid evening gowns, chandeliers and a 2,000 pound
purebred bull.
Nope, nothing quite like it at all.
Black Hills Stock Show Foundation Director John Johnson counts on that
atmosphere to bring the best possible price for the 15 select items offered at
the Stockman’s Auction held every year during the BHSS Stockman’s Banquet
and Ball.
"Sale day is pay day for the Foundation’s scholarship programs. We
don’t get to go back and do it again," says Johnson. "The pieces
offered, the atmosphere, the crowd, it all plays a part in a defining 15
minutes....a brief moment in time to get it right."
No pressure though for the veteran pedigree man who stands on any number of
auction blocks throughout the year, marketing to the performance horse industry.
"A lot of it has to do with knowing what’s in front of you," he
explains and there’s no debate over his knowledge and sixth-sense, if you
will, of items that will appeal and ones that will top a market.
That’s important to the Foundation that realizes a significant portion of its
scholarship funding from the proceeds of the Stockman’s Auction, set for
Wednesday, February 4 at the Ramkota Convention Center. Items that range from
original works in bronze, leather and sterling silver to the NASCAR Speedway
bring out an assortment of bidding interests. "Striking a balance in
variety, while keeping the level of quality, is a stretch anytime," he
observes. "Those who work at bringing consignments together for this
auction make that happen."
As do the artisan’s and industries who donate the items. "Every year, the
auction attracts a growing interest from established artists as well as knew
comers, who want a unique showcase and who support the Foundation’s efforts.
It’s a good combination that works well," he notes.
Successful bidders at the event where the Preview begins at 5:00 p.m. get to
virtually see their money at work as the program continues with the introduction
of 2004 scholarship recipients as well as the Foundation’s first renewable
winner. This marks the beginning of scholarship funding up to four years, for
the successful applicant.
"We’re pleased to welcome students and parents to the Stockman’s
Banquet and Ball where they get the opportunity to meet folks who make the
Foundation’s scholarship programs possible," says Johnson.
Among the featured items at this year’s auction is the annual offering of the
BHSSF commemorative art that is part of an ongoing series, titled "The
Great American Cowboy". It recognizes the pioneering spirit of Deadwood
through its title, Days of 76: Spirits of Deadwood and includes organizers and
personalities from the early days of the historic event that has been selected
as the top outdoor rodeo by the Professional Rodeo Cowboy’s Association.
The legendary Miles City Saddlery, Miles City, Mont., is also represented with a
full donation to mark the 10th Anniversary of another popular Foundation auction
held the last weekend of stock show, the BHSSF Cowboy Heritage X: Old West
Collectibles Auction. This full-flower carved breast collar combines the
expert craftsmanship, quality and durability for which Miles City Saddlery is
known.
Auctioneer Lynn Weishaar, a Foundation member who has called the sale all of its
11 years, (Weishaar also gets the nod for BHSS 2004 AgriBusiness Person of
the Year) will warm up the gavel at 6:00 p.m. and in short order, items exchange
hands in the time-honored auction way.
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