Bidders wanted for fair's Wampum Auction

The annual Wampum auction to benefit the Wheat Land Communities’ Fair (WLCF) is scheduled Saturday and is expected to be the highlight of the weekend in Ritzville. The family-friendly event provides an opportunity for community members to gather together and spend a night supporting the local fair by bidding on auction items and enjoying a catered meal.

The doors open with social hour at 6 p.m. in the Knuth Building at the fairgrounds, followed by a meal catered by the Lind-Ritzville FFA Alumni at 6:30 p.m. The traditional barbecue meal includes a menu of chicken, pork, beef, roasted red potatoes, carrots, green salad, pasta salad, and dessert choices of cheesecake and apple pie.

Jerry Snyder will take center stage as auctioneer for the evening after the meal, and will be joined by WLCF president Fritz Coon to announce updates for the fair.

Outgoing Queen Jordan Schultz and Princess Christina Field make their final appearance as fair royalty, and crown the new queen, Brittany Gordon. Gordon is a freshman at Washtucna High School and will serve at the WLCF queen for the upcoming year.

An extensive list of auction items is sure to provide every resident in attendance with something to bid on. A few of the highlighted auction items this year include a 20-inch boys’ John Deere bicycle, a battery operated Case kids tractor, tickets to Spokane concerts and entertainment venues, and an endless selection of themed baskets.

Wampum helps provide vital funds to keep the fair running and directly supports the 2013 Wheat Land Communities’ Fair on Labor Day weekend.

Tickets are $20 if purchased in advance and $25 at the door. Tickets can be purchased at Sunny Spot Floral and Gift in Ritzville, Java Bloom in Washtucna, and Jim’s Empire Market in Lind.