Okay, will the real Dr. Paisley please stand up? Son Eric and daughter Heather?? I don't remember them being in the room when I lost my pants...

At any rate, a later auction works just fine. Gives 'em time to sip a drink or two before bidding. It also doesn't overlap with dinner time that way, nor make them choose between the auction and the masquerade. The only real risk is pushing it back too late when there are LOTS of stuff that make it to auction. For a con - midnight to START the auction might be a bit late... but not to finish one.

The Artist formally known as The Artist