Community members of Beechy were once again gathered to raise funds at the AGT Civic Centre. After having to transfer to an online version last year, the Beechy Goods and Services Auction was back to being live in 2022.  

Funds from the auction are split between the hall and the rink to cover costs throughout the year. The auction took a different approach in 2021 because of restrictions in place due to Covid-19 and residents of the village were excited to socialize with one another at the big event of the year for the village this year. 

Treasurer for the rink, Sharron Snow is delighted at the turnout from the community and overall success of the evening. 

“Very well attended. I think the chair count was 172 and were filled, every chair had somebody in it. I wasn’t sure what to expect. People were extremely happy to be out and see smiling faces and be able to socialize.” 

Beginning at 7:00pm, the auction went into the early hours of the morning, finishing up around 1:30am after over 200 items were bid on. 

Of the items sold, the biggest attractions were combine rentals and demonstrations, says Snow. 

“The highest one was from Canada West Harvest Centre in Swift Current and it went for $4500 and the one from Pattison Ag in Kyle went for $4000.” 

 A total of $81,375 was raised from the items sold during the auction. Roughly $2500 was also raised from liqour sales and a 50/50 draw and was put towards repairs for the Beechy library. 

Snow also extended a sincere thank you to everyone who helped make the event run according to plan. 

“It’s really appreciated to everybody that donated and purchased or did both. The people that made cash donations and the rec board and the local library for helping keep everyone fed and watered and everyone that came out to support the event and made it a successful one.” 

Plans are already in place to ensure the 2023 edition of the Beechy Goods and Services auction can replicate what this year’s one was.