Rapides Antiques Roadshow

Hundreds of items including appliances and furniture, a Ford Ranger and 52,000 square feet of flooring were sold, with the funds going toward a $22.9 million renovation of the 7,800-capacity arena.

The auction was handled by the Police Jury, the legislative and executive government of the parish.

Some couches went for several hundred dollars, a set of three beer taps went for $320. Oak flooring went for 85 cents a square foot, or $4,420. Police Jury staff member Vickie Sergent says the haul was more than expected. “We’re just trying to make a few dollars,” Police Jury President Richard Billings told The Town Talk before bidding was under way. 

“I hope not only for them (the public) to get a good deal, but instead of it all getting chunked into the garbage, someone picks up something they can use, and we’ll get a few dollars.” The auction also helped clear some space for all-new furnishings.