An auction of the season's first box of Cherry King cherries attracted two bidders and about 2,000 spectators. (Photos.com)
Sydney Markets staged its 30th annual cherry auction on Wednesday to mark the official start of the cherry season and raise money for Variety, The Children's Charity.
The season's first box of Cherry King cherries, grown in Hillston, in central NSW, attracted two bidders and about 2,000 spectators in what organisers described as a heated contest.
The winners, Billy and Louise Caffar and their son Jake, of Enrico's Pasta in Wetherill Park, did not attend the auction, instead sending family member Paul Lahood to bid on their behalf.
"They are forever putting their hand in their pocket, they are always helping charities," Mr Lahood said.
"They told me to buy at any price."
The 5kg box contained about 400 cherries, meaning the generous buyers, who Mr Lahood said don't like the limelight, effectively paid about $62 per cherry.
Auctions spokeswoman Retina Hong said this year's contest was strong, with the bids increasing by $1000 until reaching the sale price.
Last year's box fetched $33,000, while 2006 result was the best ever, with father and son team Sam and David Agostino forking out a record $55,000.
Variety says it will use the money to buy medical equipment for its intensive care unit at the Sydney Children's Hospital.
