A chalkboard sign in the foreground reads "Support 4-H Silent Auction" with a 7:00 PM closing time, positioned in front of a white tent where auction items are displayed on a folding table.

Silent Auction Buyers Guide

Everything you need to know about browsing, bidding, and winning animals at the silent auction — no pre-registration required.
WSU Extension > San Juan County WSU Extension > Silent Auction Buyers Guide

The Facts

Silent Auction Quick Facts

đź“ŤWhere: Marie Boe 4-H Building, San Juan County Fairgrounds

🗓️ When: Saturday of Fair Week (August 15, 2026)

đź“ť Auction Hours: 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m (No pre-registration required)

🍀 Administered by the 4-H Leaders Council

Page Navigation

What is a Silent Auction?

A silent auction is a style of bidding where items are displayed on tables and buyers browse at their own pace. Instead of calling out bids to an auctioneer, you write your name, contact information, and bid amount directly on a bidding sheet placed in front of each item.

Bidding sheets remain visible to all buyers, so you can see the current highest bid at any time and choose to outbid it. At the close of the silent auction, the highest written bid on each sheet wins the item.

There is no pre-registration or buyer number required — you simply show up, browse the items, and write your information on the sheet if you’d like to place a bid.

What You’ll Find at the 4-H Silent Auction

Items include judged 4‑H still life exhibits such as baked goods, photography, artwork, textiles, woodworking, and other project displays. All auctioned food items are prepared according to 4‑H food safety guidelines and do not require refrigeration.

Participating in the silent auction helps 4‑H youth build responsibility, communication skills, and appreciation for community support.

Browsing & Bidding Rules

  1. Items designated for the silent auction will have stickers on their entry tags, you are welcome to preview items anytime during the fair. Come back on Saturday to browse the options, see the bidding details, and review current bids.
  2. To place a bid, write your full name, phone number, address, and bid amount on the next available line on the bidding sheet. Your bid must exceed the current highest bid price and follow the minimum price guidelines as well as bidding increments.
  3. All bids are binding. Placing your name and bid on a sheet is a commitment to purchase at that price if you win.
  4. You may bid on as many items as you wish. If you are outbid, you are welcome to return and write a new, higher bid.
  5. Bidding sheets close at the announced end time. No bids will be accepted after the auction closes.
  6. Results will be announced and posted after sheets are collected and reviewed by staff.

How to Win & Pay

Gemini said The 4-H logo, a green four-leaf clover with a white "H" on each leaf, positioned above the green text "Step One."

Auction Closes

Sheets are collected at the announced close time. Staff will review each sheet and identify the highest bid.
Gemini said The 4-H logo, a green four-leaf clover with a white "H" on each leaf, positioned above the green text "Step Two."

Winners Notified

Winning buyers are contacted by phone using the number on the bid sheet, and results are posted at the event.
Gemini said The 4-H logo, a green four-leaf clover with a white "H" on each leaf, positioned above the green text "Step Three."

Visit the Sale Office

Check in at the sale office to confirm your purchase and receive an invoice for your won items.
Gemini said The 4-H logo, a green four-leaf clover with a white "H" on each leaf, positioned above the green text "Step Four."

Complete Payment

Payment is due before the item leaves the grounds. Accepted payment methods will be posted at the sale office.

Payment Tip

Bring your checkbook or cash, for this event, we are only able to accept cash or check. Thank you for planning accordingly.

Tips for First-Time Silent Auction Buyers

Arrive Early

Come at the start of the silent auction window to see all the items before bidding begins to fill up. Early browsing helps you plan which items to prioritize.

Set a Budget Before you Bid

It can be easy to get caught up in the excitement. Decide on a maximum price for each item before you write your first bid so you don’t overcommit.

Write your Information Clearly

Print your name, address, & phone number legibly. If staff can’t read your contact info and you win, they may not be able to reach you — and you could forfeit the item.

Check Back Near Closing Time

Return to any sheet you’ve bid on in the final 15–30 minutes. Competitive items often see last-minute bids, and you may want to revise your offer.

Ask Questions

Event staff and 4-H families are happy to answer questions about the items. Don’t hesitate to ask any questions before you bid.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. There is no pre-registration for the silent auction. Simply arrive during the bidding window, find an item you’d like to bid on, and fill out the bid sheet with your name, contact information, and bid amount.

Yes — each bid sheet will list a starting bid amount. Your bid must be at or above that starting amount, and must exceed any current high bid already on the sheet.

You are welcome to return and place a new, higher bid at any point before the auction closes. There is no limit to how many times you can bid on the same item.

Yes — the silent auction and live auction are separate. Winning a bid in one does not affect your ability to participate in the other.

All bids are considered binding commitments. If you believe you’ve made an error, please contact sale office staff as soon as possible. Failure to complete payment may affect your ability to participate in future 4‑H auctions.

Item release details will be communicated at the event. Typically items are ready for pick-up immediately following the conclusion of the auction. Payment must be completed before any item leaves the grounds.

Questions & Contact

Volunteer Superintendent

For silent auction question please contact our wonderful volunteer auction superintendent:

Kandi Calandra 📧 kckandi@gmail.com

For any other questions, please feel free to reach out to:

Program Icon.

Program Contact

Clinton Gauthier, 4-H Program Coordinator
Phone NumberCall or Text: (360) 350-2209 Email Address • sanjuan.4-h@wsu.edu