The 23rd annual Ducks Unlimited Wine and Cheese auction was slowed a bit by the blowing snow on Jan. 14. 

Attendance dipped lower than usual, but Greg Van Tighem, chairman of the Jasper chapter and a zone provincial chairman, said those that did attend got “killer deals” on some great items. Attendance was counted at 73 people, mostly due to a winter storm that stalled traffic. Van Tighem said he knows of a few people who chose to stay at home this year instead of brave the cold. 

The auction raised $10,000, which Van Tighem said is on par with last year. The auction has raised as much as $14,000 to $16,000 with attendance reaching over 140 people in the past. 

The auction has been happening for over 20 years. This year there was great food, wine and cheese, and a live and silent auction. The auction was once again run by 20-year veteran Gord Murison. The MC for the evening was Ralph Melnyk.

“Everybody there had a great time,” Van Tighem said. 

Items in the live auction included trips, Ducks Unlimited-inscribed chairs and other memorabilia. There were great prizes given out to bidders as well. 

“I think because of the lower numbers, people did benefit,” Van Tighem said. 

The event has traditionally been held during in January, but Van Tighem said they hope to move the event closer into the spring next year, so the event is no longer competing with Jasper in January. 

The funds raised at the auction go towards Ducks Unlimited’s efforts in Alberta (because Jasper is in a national park, the funds cannot be used locally). The money goes to conservation programs, education and habitat reclamation. Often Ducks will negotiate with land owners to purchase properties with marsh lands, benefiting all kinds of animals, Van Tighem said.