BERLIN, Vt. (WCAX) – From tires to snowmobiles to cars to trucks — locals and tourists showed up to the surplus auction to catch up with some old friends and hopefully leave a new prize. It’s an annual chance to get a deal.
“It’s pretty impressive and we plan on coming every year, so we have been for a while at least,” Bion Tolman of Maine said.
“I’ve been coming here to this auction for almost 30 years, it was way different back then,” South Burlington resident Tom Doane said.
With nearly 200 lots – the Vermont auction of surplus heavy equipment and vehicles has a little something for everyone.
“I have bought vehicles here primarily trucks like that which was a DMV truck and it’s very well maintained and most of this equipment is,” Doane said.
“And there was a couple of vehicles we were interested in here,” Jim Moulton of Maine said.
“Trying to get some equipment and some deals,” Karen Abbott of Maine said.
The annual auction in Berlin has helped recoup up to $1 million dollars in a day for state coffers, drawing bidders from Quebec and across New England.
“This is my first time in Vermont to the live auction. We sort of waited for this one I’ve gone to a couple of ones online, but I really like seeing the people when looking at the vehicles,” Moulton said.
Whether they were checking out some unique items for sale – or buying something to bring home – people tell us they will be back again next year.
“I just enjoy meeting the people, talking to them and that’s more fun. I wish they did them all live rather than online,” Moulton said.