Sulphur Springs FFA members Alinia Tatum, Candace Vanwinkle, and Matt Ragan were on hand to present
the many items that were auctioned at Saturday night's event.

Sulphur Springs FFA Hosts
34th Annual Benefit Auction

by: Bobby McDonald

A tradition that began back in 1972, when the Sulphur Springs FFA was in need of funds to finance their various activities, was continued on Saturday night, in the Hopkins County Regional Civic Center Arena. Local businesses, parents, and other supporters came together for the 34th Annual FFA Auction. "It all began with a group of parents soliciting auction items from local businesses and stew being cooked in washpots beneath the oak trees in Buford Park," expressed on of those former students who was there when it began. "And, the first auction was held in the Old Show Barn in City Park."

These supporters of the Sulphur Springs FFA Chapter were examining the many items offered,
before the sale.

These supporters looked over the detailed list of items offered in the sale.

The 34th Annual FFA Auction still featured auction items donated by local businesses, but the stew has been replaced with homemade ice cream of every flavor and variety. The ice cream is made by parents of the students in the FFA Chapter and includes such flavors as butterfinger, chocolate chip, buttered pecan, and of course, just plain ol' rich vanilla!

The line for homemade ice cream was a popular place at the Sulphur Springs FFA Auction, Saturday night.

 

 

The Ag Mechanics Classes in the Vocational Agriculture program had constructed a number of projects for the auction, that included picnic tables, hog traps, occasional tables, entertainment centers, dinner bells, swings, headgates, and other items.

Also included in the offering, was a variety of beautiful plants grown in the Horticulture Department's greenhouse, on the high school grounds.

Paula Brown served as the ticket writer for the FFA auction, while Wade Bartley, local auctioneer,
donated his services.


And, left to right, supporters Karmon Holland, Joyce Vanwinkle, and Becky Darden, served as
clerks for the sale.

 

Supporters, many of them former members of the Sulphur Springs FFA, returned to visit with former classmates and to purchase the many items in support of the local chapter. And, local businesses were also present to support the chapter with their purchases of items, also.

Longtime Sulphur Springs FFA supporters Marynell Bryant and Sheila Koon were among those
in the audience making bids on various items.


And, the Bryant Fisher family was among those supporting the FFA Auction, as Bryant and both
of his sons are former members of the chapter.

The Sulphur Springs FFA Chapter continues to be one of the most active in the state, competing in a variety of ag mechanics contests, livestock shows, judging contests, and leadership contests. The Sulphur Springs FFA conducted a project show on Saturday morning that featured each FFA member showing their own projects and competing for prizes and awards.

The Sulphur Springs FFA Chapter advisors are Dannie Johnson, John Boles, and Dan Froneberger.

 

Future Farmer.............This little "future farmer," grandson of North Hopkins Vo Ag Teacher,
Johnny Lennon, was at Saturday night's auction, and found time to play with his tractor, while
the others bid on a variety of items.


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