Two businessmen from neighboring Jones County won the bid atauction for much of the town property. Bill Lucado and his partner,construction contractor Alan Schomber, paid $265,000. Such a deal.They now own the locally well-known Swampland Opera building, arestored 1880s hotel, an old cotton warehouse, a restaurant, store,and several houses and vacant lots. Sellers Edwin and MargaretLavender put their holdings up for sale to the highest bidder.

Lucado and Schomber said in an Associated Press report that theydid not expect to win the bid and had no specific plans for theproperty. They did say they would probably complete the restorationof some of the buildings.

The prize in the package is the Swampland Opera, which for 25years has offered free Saturday night bluegrass and gospel shows.Toomsboro also holds an annual Syrup Festival--for those unfamiliarwith southern traditions, the foodstuff celebrated at this event isthick, dark sorghum syrup, best served on hot biscuits.