LYLE — Once a year, it’s not uncommon for a jar of pickles to sell for more than $100 in Lyle.

No, it’s not caused by black magic or the tides or a solar eclipse. It’s the Lyle Area Cancer Auction.

The auction returns for its 32nd year this Friday and Saturday to raise money for cancer research. Every year, organizers make one guarantee: You won’t leave disappointed.

“This auction is like no other auction,” said Larry Ricke, one of the events long-time organizers.

The auction kicks off around 6 p.m. Friday and lasts until about 2 a.m. Sunday, with a break for Saturday morning.

The auction is no place for bargain hunters. In fact, one mantra for success has been to sell every item at or more than its value.

“We don’t like to give stuff away. … It won’t happen,” Ricke said.

Auctioneers and volunteers work to get the most money for every item. Auctioneers will even playfully banter with a bidder to bring in more dollars.

Ricke said the audience wants to see money come in to fight cancer. In the past, bidders have spent more than $100 on a jar of pickles or a case of beer.

Ricke and other committee members rarely take credit for the auction’s success. They are quick to credit the people, businesses and groups that donate time and items to the event.

Whalen Brown donated a hand built grill/smoker for a raffle. Ricke estimated the grill is worth up to $5,000. A thousand raffle tickets are being sold at $5 each.

Progressive Hair salon is donating its time to give hair cuts for a free will donation on Saturday starting at 3 p.m. Massages will also be available.

Churches and women’s groups donate quilts and food served in the kitchen.

Last year, Ricke said the kitchen brought in more than $4,000.

Many people donate items during the auction without being asked by committee members, and Ricke said they gladly accept.

It’s these people, businesses and groups have built the auction into what it is today, Ricke said.

“That’s what makes this thing a huge success,” Ricke said.

While many charitable events have felt the pinch of the economy, the auction has continue to thrive.

Ricke said it’s because many people plan and save up for the event.

“The community wants to fight this deadly disease, and they’re looking for answers,” Ricke said.

Last year, the auction brought in $119,000, but Ricke said organizers would be happy even if they don’t hit that mark.

“Anything we raise, we’ll be happy,” Ricke said.

While it would be nice to top last year’s total, Ricke said every dollar goes to a good cause.

“People don’t care as long as we raise money,” he said.

Since its inception, the auction has raised almost $1.3 million — about $1 million of that has come in the last decade.

Ricke credited much of the success to a host of new events that debuted about a decade ago. The 10th annual Harley raffle will be held at 10 p.m. Saturday. In nine years, the raffle has brought in more than $200,000.

“It’s been a huge success,” Ricke said.

The effort isn’t limited to one weekend in January. Ninety-six teams participated in the Lucille Johnson Memorial Pool Tournament over the weekend in Carpenter, Iowa. The event has brought in more than $200,000 since its inception.

Other events like the Halfway to January Cancer Bash and the Farmboy Barbecue also bring in money throughout the year.

“Every little bit helps,” Ricke said.

All the money raised goes to the annual Eagles Cancer Telethon in Rochester. Ricke and other committee members are set to pledge the money raised in Lyle at 3:15 p.m. Sunday.

The Eagles divvies out the money to organizations like the Hormel Institute, the University of Minnesota and the Mayo Clinic.

Ricke said he’s looking forward to seeing some familiar faces and some new faces in Lyle this weekend.

“I just hope to see everybody down there, especially new people,” Ricke said. He noted the new people will quickly become regulars at the annual event.