Jimmy Carwile will conduct an auction at this year's NWTF Convention in Nashville, Feb. 17-20

CULLEN, VA, January 23, 2011 (Press-News.org) Jimmy Carwile, owner and auctioneer of Carwile Auctions, Inc., has been tapped to conduct an auction at the 35th annual Convention and Sport Show of the National Wild Turkey Federation, slated for Feb. 17-20 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville. Mr. Carwile will conduct the Ladies' Luncheon & Auction on Sat., Feb. 19.

"I am honored to have been selected to participate in an event of this size and scope," Mr. Carwile remarked. "The NWTF attracts between 40,000 and 50,000 people a year to its annual convention and sport show. To say I am both humbled and excited would be an understatement. I've been involved with the NWTF at the regional level for years, but never something like this."

About five years ago, Mr. Carwile began conducting auctions for the High Bridge Strutters, a Virginia chapter of the NWTF. "He's never charged a penny and he always does a fantastic job," said Andy Ellington, president of the chapter. "Our regional director came to last year's auction and saw Jimmy in action. That led to an invitation to call an auction in Nashville."

At the High Bridge Strutters auction last year, Mr. Carwile called the action from a scissor-jack, suspended high above the crowd. "That allowed him to connect better with the people," Mr. Ellington said, "and it really worked. We saw an increase of 30 percent over the previous year's sale. Jimmy is just great. We named him an honorary member of our chapter."

The Ladies' Luncheon & Auction on Saturday will feature some wonderful items up for bid. These will include an African hunting safari, hunting and fishing packages, golf trips, a Country Music Awards festival package, fine wine, apparel gift certificates and more. The auction will take place in the Presidential Ballroom, starting at 1 p.m. Lunch will be at 12:30.

Another auction, which Mr. Carwile will not be conducting, will be held on Friday evening, Feb. 18. It will be part of a Grand Auction & Beach Party, featuring beach-themed music by the Swingin' Medallions. Items to be auctioned include a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 4WD truck, a New Holland tractor and a white-tail deer archery hunt in Illinois worth $9,000.

The National Wild Turkey Federation was founded in 1973 and is dedicated to the conservation of the wild turkey and the preservation of the country's hunting heritage. The NWTF and its members have helped restore wild turkey populations across the U.S., spending more than $331 million to conserve over 15.9 million acres of habitat for all types of wildlife.

This year's National Convention and Sport Show is already completely sold out, with all 625 booth spaces taken, making it an already record-setting event. Last year's convention drew more than 44,000 attendees, and the NWTF is expecting another strong turnout next month. It will be the first major convention at Oryland in Nashville since the devastating flood in May.

Legendary performers Trace Adkins, The Band Perry and other entertainers will perform during the nightly events. Friday's itinerary will feature a Western-themed Hunt Luncheon & Auction, starting at 11 a.m. (CST). Saturday's centerpiece events will be the Grand Auction & Beach Party and the Ladies' Luncheon & Auction (with Jimmy Carwile conducting the auction).

Other events will include a Wednesday Night Early Bird Special, a Thursday Night Welcoming Party (featuring Trace Adkins), a Friday Morning Federal Breakfast, a Saturday Winchester Veterans Recognition Breakfast, a Saturday Night Awards Banquet (featuring The Band Perry) and a Sunday Remington Breakfast. Auctions will be held throughout the weekend.

Carwile Autions, Inc., is based in Cullen, Va. The firm specializes in farm and farm equipment auctions, real estate auctions, antique and personal property auctions, and auctions featuring cars and trucks. The firm conducts estate sales, business liquidations and commercial building and real estate sales. Most of the auctions are personally conducted by Jimmy Carwile.

Mr. Carwile began his career as an auctioneer in 1974, but his interest in the auction business goes back to his childhood. "I always wanted to sell things at an auction sale," he said, adding, "I've never attended a school to become an auctioneer. It started out as a hobby and I just kind of picked it up." In 1981 he won the Virginia State Auctioneering Championship award.

After working for various Virginia-based auction houses for 16 years, Mr. Carwile launched Carwile Auctions, Inc., in 1988. He incorporated in 1999. His sing-song chant is pleasant to the ear and has made him a favorite choice for folks looking for an auctioneer who prides himself on speaking slowly and distinctly, unlike many of his rapid-fire counterparts.

Carwile Auctions is always looking for quality consignments for future sale. To consign an item, an estate or a collection, you may call them at (434) 392-5604 or (434) 547-9100. Or, you can e-mail them at info@carwileauctions.com. To learn more about Carwile Auctions, and the upcoming NWTF Convention & Sport Show Auction, log on to http://www.carwileauctions.com.