Auction Hunters Bid on Carnival Rides

Amid a set of warehouses just over the Route 166 bridge in Toms River yesterday, auction hunters crowded a parking lot hoping to be the winning bid on such things as walls to climb and houses to bounce in.

Magical Enterprises, 1 South Main Street, was auctioning off much of its stock. The company focuses on party entertainment, providing everything from magicians to disc jockeys to giant inflatable "bounce castles" for private events and public festivals.

"I am just trying to down size, that's all," said owner Steven M. Poretskin.

Magical Enterprises is more than 20 years old, and is one of the biggest entertainment companies based in Toms River, according to Poretskin. The Main Street warehouse and parking lot is home to small amusement park rides, waiting on a customer who needs one for a town fair or one really lavish party. Small height ferris wheels where just some of the items up for bid.

Potential bidders were allowed to preview and register to bid for items through 2 p.m. yesterday. Thereafter, the bidding began for individual pieces of equipment as well as lots of items. The auction closed at 10 p.m.

There were more than 100 people in attendence, coming from all over the East Coast to see what they can get there hands on, by putting it to good use for there own entertainment companies or people who just want to get a cool bounce for their back yard for the kiddies.

One bidder scored a "Love Tester" for $5. You put a coin into the machine, grip its handle, and it tells you how good a lover you are.

Another $4,500 bid won an old ride in the shape of a battleship, that riders would sit in and enjoy a pendulum-style thrill back and forth.

The day was full of exciting auction fever, despite the 8 hour stretch to the event.  After a long day, Poretskin announced he will be having another auction in September.