These pictures show the height of the frenzy. On the left picture, you can see intrepid auctioneer Rick Soller holding up an insulator while Mike McLaughlin holds up another one and digs for more. Looking on from the left is Arlen Rienstra, and from the right Dave Shaw and Bob Stahr.

A minute or so later the scene has changed a little. Arlen Rienstra and Richard Case (with hat) are looking on from the left, Marge Frank can be seen behind Rick as she's keeping track of the prices and winners, and Bob Stahr has moved in for a closer look in front of Dave Shaw.

There is a YouTube video segment of the auction at: http://youtu.be/Zp5YNh8T6I4 .

I asked Rick whether he had not set up a sales table this year. His reply, and I quote: "You're correct that I did not have a sales table. Seven tables of auction material was enough for me." Attaboys all around for the effort!