Auctioneer Kevin Wendt with the call Friday morning, as 15 year-old Katelyn Richardson entered the ring with the grand champion lamb. Richardson has been showing animals for the past nine years, but raising the Grand Champion and selling it for $4,500 was both overwhelming and exciting.
As the auctioneer, Wendt says this year's auctions have resulted in record sales, meaning more money that goes straight to the kids. Wendt believes the Allen County Fair stands out among the top when it comes to money raised for the exhibitors.
The money raised through each auction goes to the exhibitor that raised the animal, helping to offset the extra expenses and helping the boys and girls finance their college educations. When asked why they bid year after year, many bidders say they do it for the kids and the future of Ohio's agriculture.
Most buyers at the auction never see the animals after the sale, as they are resold at market price, or remain in the care of the boy or girl who raised them.
