Fort Simpson (Sep 01/06) - Going once, going twice... gone.

The call of the auctioneer boomed out from the public works yard in Fort Simpson on Saturday as surplus items from the territorial government, Parks Canada, the village and private owners were put on the block.

Burt Tsetso sits proudly on his new riding lawnmower while the auction in Fort Simpson continues around him. - Roxanna Thompson/NNSL photo

People came out in droves to the auction, driven by both a curiosity to watch and the hunt for a deal.

It seemed like everything but a kitchen sink was available as people examined the items before the sale started. From insulation to washers and dryers, ice augers to bear cages it was all there and often for surprising prices.

One dollar bought Yanny Cordero a stainless steel dishwasher. The purchase was just for fun, said Cordero. He also bought some jacks for $5.

While he doesn't go to auctions often, Cordero said he likes listening to the call of the auctioneer.

Dolly Cazon bought a video camera for $10. Although she's been to auctions before it was the first time Cazon ever bid on an item.

"I hope it's not going to be addictive for me," said Cazon with a smile.

To keep people buying and entertained auctioneer Wally Schumann Sr., with Xpert Auctioneering of Hay River, kept up a steady banter.

"Things are going cheap. If anyone can use some of this stuff now is the time to buy it," Schumann told the crowd from his perch on the back of a red pickup truck.

Some auction goers followed Schumann's advice.

Burt Tsetso came out especially for the two John Deere riding lawnmowers. After eliminating a number of other bidders and $725 later, Tsetso became the proud owner of a lawnmower.

"I like it," said Tsetso after the purchase.

Tsetso said the bidding war didn't make him nervous because he really wanted the item. He's never purchased something that big at an auction before.

The second lawnmower went to Sue Sibbeston for $525 although Schumann tried to interest Tsetso.

"You should be buying that one for parts in case this one doesn't run," Schumann said jokingly.

Two items in particular sparked heavy bidding.

Many people had their eye on a Alpine double-track snowmobile and a 1995 Chevrolet Caprice.

A flurry of bidding took the Alpine from $3,000 to the final price of $4,200 for John Tsetso.

"I think it was a good buy," said Tsetso who plans to haul logs with the heavy-duty machine.

Bidding on the Caprice bounced back and forth between Duncan Canvin and Les Wright until Wright won at $2,800.

This is the second time Wright's bought a vehicle at an auction.

In the early ‘90s he bought a van for $191. It already had 50,000 km on it and Wright drove it to 89,000 km without having to replace any parts.

The Caprice will last even longer, said Wright. He has attended every auction in Fort Simpson. "They're lots of fun," said Wright.