Auction brings old and new to Sisters

It is fitting that the signature consignment in this year's Small Farmer's Journal Horsedrawn Auction and Swap Meet is an antique circus cage wagon. When the auction is in full swing, it feels somewhat like a circus event, with action happening in several areas at once.

Now in its 29th year, the auction, to be held this weekend April 20-22 at Sisters Rodeo Grounds, is the highlight of the year for the Small Farmer's Journal. Founded by Lynn Miller of Sisters, the Journal celebrates a belief "that animal-powered agriculture is viable, efficient, sustainable, beautiful and profitable."

Attendees of the auction and swap meet endorse that belief.

The swap meet runs each day from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., though savvy scavengers may take an early peek at swap meet goods on Thursday afternoon. The deadline for consignment articles is 8 p.m. Thursday, and the public is welcome to observe the consignments as they arrive.

Each year the event gets a bit bigger, leaving organizers wondering where they'll fit all the people and auction items. Somehow, anyone who really wants to take part in the bidding manages to find a spot and the auctioneer's hammer falls for each consignment. This year Miller estimates there will be around 4,000 items to go through the auction.

Miller highlights several new features for this year's event. Friday's line-up includes a household antiques auction, held in the big tent at the same time the farm implements are being sold outside. Another new element is the inclusion of brand new horse-drawn farm equipment. There is even a fore-cart with a power take-off (PTO) motor, enabling horses to pull farm implements requiring a PTO.

"We'll have an interesting horse auction," said Miller. "There are many different breeds, including representatives of each draft breed, plus light carriage horses, mules and some sport horse types."

A long-time feature of the horse auction is Doc Hammill's free horse soundness clinic. Attendees should note that this is being held on Saturday morning.

Miller is particularly excited by the 1870 circus wagon. These wagons are so sought-after by collectors that they rarely appear at an auction. This one was discovered in a barn near Salem and corroboration by the curator of Circus World Museum in Baraboo, Wisconsin ensures it is a genuine article.

"This is the equivalent of someone having a baseball signed by Babe Ruth and no one knowing about it," said Miller.

There are several other antique carriages in mint condition, all ready to roll through the ring and into someone's dreams.