Show and sell

One of the most successful events for Antelope County 4-H members returns, Saturday, for its 14th appearance.

The annual premium auction will begin at 4 p.m. in the show arena at the fairgrounds in Neligh.

The premise is simple. Individuals place bids on beef, swine, sheep, goat, poultry and rabbit entries, shown by 4-H members. The auction gives the showmen an additional moment of recognition for efforts put into projects.

With the exception of a 5% fee, retained by the auction committee to be used toward auction expenses, proceeds from the sale of an animal are given to the 4-H member to use for expenses incurred during the project.

When the auction debuted in 2014, more than $20,000 was raised. By 2018, the amount more than doubled, with $43,000 raised.

Last year, more than 110 individuals and businesses placed bids. The small-animal group, comprised of poultry and rabbit showmen, raised $6,550 to be split amongst 22 participants.