Some of the other posts have mentioned live and silent auctions held in conjunction with other events such as carnivals, fairs, games, bingo, etc. As an auctioneer, I’m admittedly biased toward the auction event. From an auction chairperson perspective, one should evaluate just what and how many other activities to plan for without it getting to be "Too Much For One Day/Evening".

During the early planning stages, most auction committees will have a brainstorming session, and come up with the strategy for the entire event. A wide range of ideas will be voiced, and need to be decided on. How does the committee decide and evaluate these ideas? Here are a few factors to consider:
1. Do you have enough "committed volunteers" to cover and handle each of the ideas?
2. Is it important that the kids attend?
3. Is it important that it be a social event for the parents?
4. Can several of the activities be held at the same time? Will having several activities going on at the same time detract from any of the activities, or will some of the activities have a hugh crowd with other activities being ignored?
5. Is it important that each or all of the activities make a profit?
6. After the event is over, will the volunteers be willing to help again next year?

It will be interesting to hear other participant’s views and ideas to add to this list of factors to use to evaluate "What is the breaking point of too many things".

Norman O’Neal
President, Auctioneers Association of Maryland