Do I hear a bid?
Kempner Volunteer Fire Department held its annual barbecue and auction to raise funds for the purchase of equipment. Here, auctioneer Rex Hooten, on stage, takes bids on a horse bridle held by a volunteer firefighter, while Otho King, standing second from left, encourages higher bids.

PHOTOS BY MAT TAYLOR Rapt attention Bidding was active at the auction benefit for the Kempner Volunteer Fire Department. Here, one bidder holds up her card in hopes of winning the item. Good treats The dessert table was a popular spot at the barbecue and auction event. Participants purchased numerous donated cakes, pies and cookies. Raffle winner Lampasas County resident David Clements is pleased as punch that he was the winner of a raffle for a Remington 12-gauge shotgun. All of the night's activities -- raffles, barbecue, auction, dessert sales -- were held to raise funds to operate the volunteer fire department which serves a large area surrounding Kempner, in the east end of the county.