Mennonite auction draws crowds

RITZVILLE - From Spokane to Seattle, people from all corners of the state traveled to Ritzville on Saturday to experience the Ritzville Menno Mennonite Country Auction.

From the parking lot, guests could catch a whiff of fresh apple butter in the air. The event appealed to the stomach, just as much as it did to the beautiful sights.

This year marks the 37th year the auction has been held in Ritzville, with more than $2.5 million raised to date.

The Ritzville Menno Mennonite Church hosts the event, but all funds raised at the auction go directly to the Mennonite Church's relief program, the Mennonite Central Committee.

The MCC sends the proceeds to numerous areas throughout the world, such as India, Iraq and the Philippines.

"The Ritzville Mennonite Church hosts this event, but it really is a collaborative effort here. A lot of Mennonites, and non-Mennonites, from around the state and country come together and donate items and goods. Last year we raised over $110,000," auction chairman Michael Classen said.

From the distinct aroma of homemade pie, to an array of colorful quilts and crafts, the auction offered visitors a wide variety of food and goods to enjoy and buy.

The event started off early, with the church providing breakfast from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. People came out early however, just to be first in line at the booths, which opened up at 10 a.m. for people to enjoy before the actual auction portion of the day started.

"I have come out here for about four years from Spokane. I never really buy anything, except for some food, but we enjoy coming out here and looking at everything that is for sale," Stan Cooper said.

At 10:30, Menno Mennonite pastor Matthew Yoder gave a short presentation on the history of Mennonites and the Anabaptists inside the church's sanctuary.

The presentation featured a short question and answer period, where those in attendance could ask Mennonite and Hutterite pastors about their denominations.

At noon the focus of attention shifted to a raised stage. It was time for the auction and bidding to begin.

The auctioneering was done by Chuck Yarbro Auctioneers of Moses Lake.

The auction featured a variety of items up for bid, from quilts, to Seahawks tickets, antiques and homemade wooden tables and benches.

"The variety of quilts, for me at least, is the draw. The amount of craftsmanship, time and dedication it takes to create a beautiful quilt is amazing. They truly are works of art," Gloria Stevens, of Moses Lake, said.

Some items were sold with a small price tag, while some quilts set bidders back as much as $2,000.

"Sure, some of the items are a bit pricey. But in the end it's all for a good cause. So its worth it," Curt Barber remarked.