MT. STERLING, Ky. — The art of the old-fashioned auction has seen quite a change as technology has opened the door for online sales. Even livestock venues use the Web to sell animals to anybody, anywhere.

But there are still places to buy and sell goods in much the same way as at auctions just a generation ago. One of the larger regional sales is held about four times a year in a tobacco warehouse in Mt. Sterling.

That warehouse happens to be about the biggest in the state (seven acres under roof) and it was packed for the latest sale with enough goods, mostly of a farming nature, to provide every potential buyer with something to take home. Mike Phipps, an auctioneer with more than 40 years’ experience, along with business partners Roger Wilson and Larry Craig, host the consignment sales in an area known for buying and selling.

In the late 18th century Court Day began because of a mandate from the Kentucky General Assembly stating every county had to meet once a month to hold court and conduct business.

In the 200-plus years since, the day has become one of the oldest festivals in the state.

These auctions bring the same kind of excitement now, with thousands coming to find needed equipment or just something they want. The sale last month was no exception; the weather was brisk and the crowd came early and stayed late. Phipps said it was a good day despite the slow economy.

“It turned out real good. We had about 1,100 pieces with 157 passes, which will be left over to the next sale on November 10,” he said. “That’s not bad.”

Phipps added a sale like this moves a lot of money within the local economy and beyond, as sellers come from across Kentucky and surrounding states. “They come from far and near and a lot of people that deal with me will sell and buy,” he said.

One thing he emphasized is that “some of the greatest people in the world” deal with his auction company. “I try to do a good job for my consignors and they keep coming back and coming back,” he said.

Wilson, who owns the warehouse where the sale is held and another nearby where tobacco auctions are still held, said this series of sales began 4-5 years ago.

“Mike and Larry were already having some sales and they came to me and wanted to have it at the warehouse. They needed a place and I had the place,” he said. “This is a sale where people can get rid of what they don’t need and buy what they do need.”

In these tough economic times, Wilson has seen many farmers who had to get rid of equipment, but there are those looking for a good used piece of equipment, as well. Craig said he has been around the auction business for years and the relationship with Phipps and Wilson has “worked out pretty well.”

That could be an understatement, judging from the size of the crowd and number of items available during the last sale. And, someone has to monitor all of those transactions – that duty falls to Wilson’s granddaughter, Jessica Patrick, who keeps track of sales and seller information all via computer.

That is likely the only computer that will be involved in one of these auctions. Phipps said selling online is just not something he has done. As he puts it, “I like a man to be there, looking me in the eye.”

For information, call Roger Wilson, 859-498-6722, or Larry Craig, 859-404-8450.