Saturday Night Auctions Have Been a Long-Time Canton Tradition

You won't find any paddles among those bidding at Canton Barn's Saturday night auctions.

"(Participants) have names, not numbers," said co-owner Susan Wacht Goralski.

There's also no admission fees or reserves. Simply come early, buy a piece of pie or a coffee, find a seat if you can and wait for a show that includes plenty of historical tidbits and a smattering of dry humor from auctioneer Richard Wacht. 

If you want something, raise your hand when the number sounds right. 

If you win, a "runner" will come get your name — providing they don't already know it. 

Located in an 1800s barn on Old Canton Road, the Saturday night auctions are a tradition dating back to the early 1950s when Richard Wacht's father held auctions under a tent in New Hartford and in private homes before moving them to the Canton location circa the 1960s. 

Each Saturday night another auction takes place, with a preview at 5 p.m., followed by the 7:30 p.m. auction. 

The barn's web site and facebook page provide regular updates and weekly previews. Items come from estates, attorneys and word-of-mouth sales. 

Smoking, alcohol, children and outside food and drink are prohibited but many customers opt to spend money on refreshments, especially $3.75 for a slice of a Wacht-Goralski's famous pies. Auctioneer Richard Wacht helps as well, paring numerous fruits the day before an auction begins. 

Canton Barn 

• 75 Old Canton Road, Canton, CT
• (860) 693-0601 
• www.cantonbarn.com
• http://www.facebook.com/CantonBarnAuctions?ref=ts