A lively auction is expected at 7 p.m. March 4 at the Newcastle Fair Barn on Main Street. This is an annual community event which assists the Newcastle FFA and 4H students with the cost of their livestock projects.
Local sponsors bid on the animals to provide a “Bonus” to the students. Ownership is not transferred, but the successful bidders are invited to take a photograph with the student and their animal after the auction. The photograph is presented to the buyer at the Appreciation Dinner, held later in the spring.
The students participating in the livestock auction must meet certain academic criteria for grades and animal management. Many of these students have shown their animals in state and national competitions representing the community, the school, and the FFA and 4H chapters of Newcastle.
Students showing were determined in a livestock showheld February 20. Although all students showing did not make the sale, all participants are still awarded for their work. Additional funds are sought for these students who showed, but did not make the final auction list.
All contributions are tax deductible since the Newcastle Livestock Booster Club is a 501(c)(3) organization.
A Booster Club spokesperson said participants will enjoy the Bonus Auction by bidding and hopefully becoming the successful buyer for the animal. Bidders do not have to be present at the auction to bid or add-on to a student. You can pledge to any booster club member your support for a formal bid or add-on.
Everyone benefits from the Bonus Auction, but being there and joining in the excitement of a live auction lets you interact with the students, making the event much more special and fun, organizers said. If you can’t attend, donations can be mailed to Newcastle Livestock Booster Club, PO Box 158, Newcastle, OK 73065.
