Amish Auction

The 24th annual Amish Auction is Saturday, June 13, 2009, come rain or shine, at the Dennis Hershberger place, previously Andy Yoder’s residence, across from Montana Woodworks, close to the Mountain View School in the West Kootenai.

In previous years, bidders have traveled thousands of miles to attend, arriving from Quebec, Canada, and dozens of states, including Iowa, Indiana, California, Oregon, even Florida.

Proceeds raised at the auction are used to support the handcrafted one-room log schoolhouse where approximately a dozen students attend grades one through eight. There is no electricity in the building. A wood-burning stove keeps it warm, and propane lamps provide light.

Auction items are varied and always a surprise. In addition to dozens of handmade quilts, previous auctions items for sale have included tools, a bear skin, birdhouses, Amish hats, handmade log benches, rolls of fencing, even a horseless carriage or two. Expect to see cabin kits, gazebos, playhouses, and lawn furniture up for sale as well. The auction features booths filled with a number of local and out-of-town vendors as well.

To get to the auction from Eureka, starting at Four Corners, take a left onto Highway 37 and drive to the Koocanusa Bridge. Go over the bridge and turn right, driving the scenic Forest Development Road along the reservoir, following the signs. When you see a row of mailboxes, take a right onto West Kootenai Rd. Follow the curve onto Whitetail and drive until you see the schoolhouse.

While the Amish walk, ride bicycles or use horse-drawn carriages, parking attendants will be stationed to help maintain order with the anticipated crowd of automobiles that arrive each year.

Donuts and coffee are normally served in the morning, and a tasty Amish barbecue chicken and mashed potatoes dinner will be sold most of the day, as well as pop, ice cream and baked goods.

Bidding begins promptly at 9 a.m., so it’s a good idea to head out early and beat the traffic. The quilt auction is held inside a barn, just in case it rains. Quilts will be auctioned starting at 10 a.m. or a little later, but will be on display before the auction for viewing. The auction lasts until every item is sold.

Before departing for home, stop in at the Kootenai Kraft and Grocery Store just two doors away. The store is open year round. Friday night buffets are served May to September, with reservations strongly recommended.