A Boer goat kid awaiting auction. Lori Ceier/Walton Outoors
Paxton comes alive the first Saturday of the month
A Boer goat kid awaiting auction. Lori Ceier/Walton Outoors
As times get leaner, many are looking into finding creative ways to find a bargain. One way to find the real deal, is to take drive to the Rockin S Auction the first Saturday of the month.
Held at the old livestock building on U.S. Hwy 331 in Paxton, the auction comes to life around 8:30 a.m. as a stream of trucks and trailers pour into the site loaded with everything from household items and tools, to goats and chickens, to fresh eggs and preserves.
At any given auction, there are between 1,500- 2,000 transactions, and it gets started promptly at 9:00 a.m., sometimes carrying on to the wee hours of the next morning.
Locals Dale Anderson, wife Tonya, Chris Short and wife Regina started the Rockin S Auction about four years ago. After two years, the Short’s opted out, and the Anderson’s took full reign. Chris continues to assist Dale and Tonya in the auction operation.
Dale Anderson and Henry Alford of Rockin S Auction. Lori Ceier/Walton Outoors
Everyone involved in the auction has full-time jobs, Dale Anderson works for Gulf Power, Tonya runs the Anderson farm, and household, and Chris runs an insulation business in Opp, Ala.
Along with his crew of helpers, Anderson has another key player, auctioneer, Henry Alford. Alford, a Darlington resident, is a retired warden. He currently works as chief of administration for the Walton County Sheriff’s Office.
With 35 years experience in auctioneering, Alford auctions off a variety of items with ease – everything from grandma’s old china, to Billy goats. The bidding moves quickly as Alford moves fast, and has a keen eye for what will move and what won’t.
Anderson does the auction as a service to the local farmers in the area, but makes a point of mentioning that he loves what he does.
“I do this because I’m addicted to it,” Anderson said with a smile.
“And, I treat everyone the way I would like to be treated,” he added.
The Rockin S Auction offers a variety of livestock and birds, anything but what is considered a Category 3 exotic wildlife. On this particular day the auction animals included chickens, ducks, pea fowl, Guinea fowl, turkeys, rabbits, goats, sheep, pigs and one donkey.
Anyone can sell or buy at the auction. You must register, and be given a number in the
Auction in progress. Lori Ceier/Walton Outdoors
concession building before you can participate.
The Rockin S Auction is held the first Saturday of each month at the old livestock building in Paxton, Florida on U.S. Hwy. 331. Paxton is located in the northern most part of Walton County just south of Florala, Ala.
For more information you can try and contact Anderson at 850-859-2803, but you probably have to leave a message. “We are more than likely out feeding something, I’m sure,” Anderson quipped.
Posted under Home/Garden
This post was written by Walton Outdoors on March 10, 2009
