Macungie Man is One of PA's Best Auctioneers

Local auctioneer Chester Geyer of Macungie earned 10th place on Jan. 11 in the 33rd Pennsylvania Auctioneers Association Bid Calling Contest at the 2012 Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg.

According to a release from the farm show,contestants were judged on voice timber, microphone control, knowledge of the products and timing.

Officials say Pennsylvania has some of the highest standards to become an auctioneer. Potential candidates either apprentice with a licensed auctioneer for two years or take a 15-weekend course. Then, candidates take a test to become licensed.

Contestant Jesse Romberger of Millersburg, Dauphin County, said each auctioneer has his own style, but it mostly consists of an opener, a chant with a rhythm, and the slurring of words.

"For me, I like to use the chant 'do you wanna bid', while others use filler terms like 'now' and 'give me.' It comes easy to me, and all I have to really think about is the counting portion of my chants," Rombeger said.

As contestants took their turns, spectators purchased some of the valuables they used to show off their skills including a veterinarian book from the 1860s, a hand-crank record player, championship Hereford banners from the 1960 Pennsylvania Farm Show, and various chinaware and collectible items. Proceeds Benefitted the Pennsylvania Farm Show Scholarship Foundation.

The Farm Show ends today.