AHA: Auctioneers Helping Auctioneers Shines at Latzer Homestead Harvest Days

In the heart of America's heartland, a scene straight out of the movie "Babe" unfolded at the Latzer Homestead Harvest Days festival. But instead of Border Collies, the stars of this show were auctioneers demonstrating the power of community and tradition through the concept of "AHA" - Auctioneers Helping Auctioneers.

What is AHA?

AHA, promoted by the National Auctioneers Association, stands for "Auctioneers Helping Auctioneers." It's a concept that embodies the spirit of cooperation and support within the auction community. Whether it's raising money for a cause, sharing valuable information, or lending a hand at an auction, AHA is a testament to the camaraderie that exists among auctioneers.

A Step Back in Time

The Latzer Homestead Harvest Days festival offered visitors a glimpse into early 1900s rural life. Antique tractors rumbled across the grounds, while threshing equipment and saw-cutting demonstrations showcased the technology of a bygone era. Amidst this nostalgic backdrop, a group of dedicated auctioneers came together to demonstrate that their craft is still very much alive and thriving.

The AHA Dream Team

Three seasoned professionals joined forces to bring the AHA spirit to life:

Virgil Strater of Auction Associated
Christian Lee of CLee Auctions
Nancy Cripe of GRS Auctions and Liquidations

Together, they organized a live fund-raising auction to support the historic Latzer Homestead, proving that the auction community is always ready to step up for a good cause.

The Auction in Action

Virgil Strater took charge of gathering donated antique items, arranging them on trailers and across the grassy field. As curious festival-goers wandered over from the show grounds, they were greeted by the familiar sights and sounds of a traditional live auction.

Christian Lee and Virgil Strater took turns at the microphone, each showcasing their unique auction chant. The air buzzed with excitement as bidders raised their paddles, competing for pieces of history.

Behind the scenes, Lee's girlfriend diligently clerked the auction, recording each bid with precision. Nancy Cripe and a colleague Dave Holder manned the trailer, efficiently checking bidders in and out of the event.

A Testament to Tradition

In an age dominated by online auctions and digital marketplaces, this event served as a powerful reminder that live auctioneers continue to ply their craft with passion and skill. The personal touch, the energy of the crowd, and the thrill of competitive bidding created an atmosphere that no online platform can fully replicate.

AHA in Action

The Latzer Homestead Harvest Days auction was just one example of how the AHA concept manifests in the auction community. Every day, across the country, auctioneers embrace this spirit of mutual support:

Raising funds for important causes
Sharing industry knowledge and best practices
Offering assistance at colleagues' auctions

This event showcased not only the professional skills of the auctioneers involved but also their commitment to preserving history and supporting their local community.

Conclusion

As the last item was sold and the final gavel fell, it was clear that the AHA spirit is alive and well in the auction world. The success of this event at the Latzer Homestead Harvest Days festival demonstrates that when auctioneers come together, they can create something truly special - preserving tradition, supporting worthy causes, and keeping the art of the live auction vibrant in the modern age.

The next time you hear the rapid-fire chant of an auctioneer, remember that you're not just witnessing a sale - you're seeing a proud tradition upheld by professionals who understand the value of community and mutual support. That's the true power of AHA: Auctioneers Helping Auctioneers.