About a mile south of the Boundary Trails Health Centre, off Road 24 West, tents, gates, and all kinds of machinery dominated the field as the 29th consignment auction took place.

Bill Klassen Auction Ltd. ran the five-ring auction that welcomed farm equipment, vehicles, bicycles, and much more from people in the area. These people received a cut of whatever their item is sold for; Klassen's auctioneering business also receives a commission.

Bill Klassen has been an auctioneer for 48 years and he's managed each consignment auction since the event's conception. Most years, the auction receives and sells thousands of items.

"This past week Monday, we opened the yard and we couldn't believe it," said Klassen. "By five O' clock when we went home we had 120 consigners listed." A consigner is a person bringing in an item, or items, to be sold.

"The annual auction has around 2,500 to 3,000 items," Klassen added.

Klassen mentioned that his first auction was selling cows for his neighbour who paid him 10 dollars, even though he admits he would have done the job for nothing. He enjoys his job and has turned it into a well-known business with several employees. What Klassen loves most about being an auctioneer is helping people buy what they need.

"Dealing with the public, selling stuff that they like or desire--It's a thrill that I really enjoy," said Klassen.

In previous years, the consignment auction has earned $1 million, which Klassen says is not a large amount considering he also handles farm auctions with expensive equipment.