Fair auction quilt breaks record

By Phil Cobb | July 20, 2019 |

SKYE POURNAZARI/THE FORUM
Members of the Krazy Quilters are shown Saturday with the Nodaway County Fair quilt purchased at auction by Mark Allen of Clinton L. Allen Monuments, right. Allen bid a record-breaking $2,300 for what he described as the honor of displaying it in his business which is now it its 100th year.

MARYVILLE, Mo. — After a stellar description from the Maryville Krazy Quilters and some high quality auctioneering, this year’s Nodaway County Fair auction quilt raised a record-breaking $2,300.

The auction, originally slated for 7 p.m. on Friday evening, was moved due to heat. But Saturday night was a different story entirely. While still hot, summer storm clouds began to move in with a cooler wind and offering some relief and later in the night heavy rain.

But just before the rain on the main stage in Downtown Maryville, Auctioneer Mark Younger of Younger Auction Company, of Maryville, with the help of his team started the bidding on the Nodaway County Quilt. Getting a feel for the crowd, Younger moved the starting bid to $250 and in the end Mark Allen of Clinton L. Allen Monuments was the winning bidder.

“I thought it was a great community project for all the history,” Allen said.

The Nodaway County Fair quilt has historic photos and logos throughout even in the very stitches. Also included this year, several photos offered by local businesses. This is the 100th year in business, Allen said and explained that it was very appropriate for the historic quilt to be displayed in his business.

“I’m going to be very honored to have it … and it goes to a great cause,” Allen said.

Funds from the auction will be used to cover the cost of the quilt creation and put back into the fair. Last year’s quilt raised $1,200 and the 2017 quilt brought in around $1,600.

SKYE POURNAZARI/THE FORUM
On Saturday at the fair, members of the Krazy Quilters guild describe the large Nodaway County Fair Quilt and the hours put into its creation.

SKYE POURNAZARI/THE FORUM
Mark Younger of Younger Auction Company is shown Saturday on stage with the Nodaway County Fair quilt during the auction. His two-member team help pick out bids from audience members.

SKYE POURNAZARI/THE FORUM
Mark Allen and local businessman Tim Jackson laugh during the bidding on Saturday.

SKYE POURNAZARI/THE FORUM
Mark Allen, center, is shown Saturday just after placing the winning and record-breaking bid of $2,300 for the Nodaway County Fair Quilt.