For more than seven decades, Alex Lyon & Son has built a reputation as one of North America's premier heavy equipment auction companies, attracting buyers and sellers from across the United States and around the world.

Each summer, the company pauses from the fast pace of the auction business to welcome customers, employees, consignors and friends to its annual Haycamp & Barbecue at its Bridgeport/Cicero-area, N.Y., headquarters, held in conjunction with the company's major Canastota equipment auction.

The longstanding tradition has become one of the industry's most anticipated gatherings, drawing well more than 1,000 guests each year.

This year's celebration carried special significance as attendees also honored company President Jack H. Lyon on his 75th birthday. Throughout the afternoon and evening, guests enjoyed a relaxed family atmosphere featuring live entertainment, a wide variety of food, ice cream, refreshments, hayrides, face painting and activities for children. Contractors, equipment dealers, transportation professionals and auction customers from across the country gathered to renew friendships, exchange stories and prepare for the following day's major auction.

The annual picnic continues to reflect the values that have helped make Alex Lyon & Son a leader in the auction industry: hospitality, customer appreciation and strong relationships. While thousands of pieces of equipment change hands through the company's auctions each year, the Haycamp & Barbecue remains an opportunity to celebrate the people behind the business, making it a fitting kickoff to one of the company's signature equipment sales.