Richard among Iowa Auctioneers finalists

DES MOINES - The Iowa Auctioneers Association (IAA) held their preliminary auctioneer contest at the annual convention on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019, in West Des Moines. Twenty finalists made it through to the Iowa State Auction Contest Finals.

Auctioneers from all over the Midwest participated in the preliminary auctioneer contest in February. The Iowa State Fair Finalists' will show off their skills and talents. The Iowa State Fair Finals will be held on the Anne & Bill Riley Stage at 9 a.m. on Aug. 13, 2019. Our 2019 finalists include:

Chris Richard, Mt. Pleasant

Trenton A. Forrest, North English

J.J. Wise, Klemme

Clay Stetzel, Guthrie Center

Chad Shepard, Cedar Falls

Joseph Bair, Elkhart

Dan Hershberger, Lime Springs

Chad Bals, Ames

Leon Martin, Ionia

Heath Downing, Creston

Kam Hartstack, Clarinda

Riley Sieren, Washington

Daniel Wilson, Redfield

Rodney Perry, Moravia

Justin Steward, Wyoming

Robert A. Barker, Keosauqua

Zachary Laurie, Indianola

Quest Flesner, Taylor, Mo.

Dylan Webb, Osceola

Justin Brant, Glidden

During the finals, each contestant will auction off three items and the contest is held under actual auction conditions. The public is invited to watch and bid on items. Contestants are judged on speed, bid-calling ability, salesmanship, and professional appearance.

The top five finalists receive a ribbon and trophy. Cash prizes are awarded to the champion, reserve champion, first runner-up, second runner-up, and third runner-up. The Iowa State Champion Auctioneer will take home $1,000 grand prize, presented by the association.

The Iowa Auctioneers Association was established in 1949 to enhance the skills, knowledge, professionalism, and image of all Iowa auctioneers, while seeking to elevate the standards of the auction industry and promote a good public image. For more information about the Iowa Auctioneers Association please go to www.iowaauctioneers.org.