Aok_auctions

Jeff Green | Aug 21, 2008

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Joe Quinn gets a great buy at an AOK Auction.

Attending an auction on a summer day in a small town out in the country is a favorite pastime for many antique collectors, shoppers and curious adventure seekers.

You can see a new town, meet interesting people, have a snack at the canteen, purchase a bidding card and walk away with some very interesting bargains.

Luckily, this summer Harrowsmith has become a destination for many auction goers thanks to Tracy Moore, owner and operator of AOK Auctions, who has held a number of auctions right here in Harrowsmith.

Tracy honed her skills at the Canadian Auction College in Barrie, ON where she studied calling and chanting (the fast talking banter that auctioneers are so famous for), business management and other related courses.

Auctioneering is not completely unrelated to her previous work experience as a co-coordinator for an environmental non-profit organization. The idea of reselling the multitude of beautiful objects that already exist in the world serves the 3R policy of reduce, reuse and recycle perfectly.

Tracy admits that when she first started out she didn’t realize that putting on an auction takes a small army of people.

The auctions are planned and prepared for weeks in advance. They involve the set up of over 400 items, tear down at the end of the day and of course all the work that occurs during the auction itself. The auctioneering, of course, is the focal point of the event but handlers, clerks, cashiers and canteen operators are all an integral part of any auction.

Tracy has been hosting a number of antique and collectible sales at the Golden Links Hall in Harrowsmith which have been gaining popularity. “People tend to call me to find out when the next one will be.”

She also offers other services that include co-coordinating and managing downsizing, moving, estate sales, tag sales and contents sales.

Tracy explains that an auction has been a success “when everyone leaves happy; when I do a good job for the people I am selling for and buyers leave with something that they love.”

In case you missed the Wednesday auction last week, Part ll will be happening at the Golden Links Hall on Wednesday August 27 between 3 and 9pm.

Viewing begins at 2pm and visitors can arrive anytime throughout the sale.

An auction is always a great way to spend an afternoon or evening, with a chance to visit with neighbors, grab a snack or a meal, and walk away with a great buy or two. It also a great opportunity to shop locally, support local business while honoring the 3 Rs.

For more information go to www.aokauctions.com; email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 613 331-3905