Annual Creston auction benefits fire department
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News from the Creston Firefighter’s Association
CRESTON — There is nothing else like the Creston Auction: A field packed with the most unlikely treasures. Half a dozen auctions at once. Thousands of people donating, consigning, and buying. Hundreds of volunteers. All in support of the small, all-volunteer fire department in Creston, Montana.
The Creston Auction & Country Fair is the largest annual fundraiser for the Creston Fire Department and has been held in Creston since 1966. This year’s event is April 1-3. The fire department’s over 30 volunteers rely heavily on this benefit to support them in responding to more than 440 calls this past year.
Calls have been steadily increasing, and Creston Fire has outgrown its 1960-era fire hall on Highway 35. The building barely houses modern fire apparatus, weekly training sessions for the volunteer firefighters and emergency medical technicians, and the department’s fundraising efforts. Land for a new station along the highway has been purchased and Creston Fire is in the on-going process of raising money for the construction of Station 251. All money raised for Creston Fire at this year’s Creston Auction will go into the fund for that project.
The Creston Auction takes place over 3 days. Here are some of the details for this year’s event:
• The 56th Annual Creston Auction & Country Fair plus Auto, Marine, RV & Equipment Sale will be held Saturday and Sunday, April 2 and 3, in Creston, Montana—12 miles east of Kalispell on MT Highway 35.
• Friday, April 1, is Consignment Day and is the only day that consigned or donated items will be accepted. Items can be consigned, meaning a substantial portion of the sale price goes back to the seller, or donated, meaning all proceeds go to Creston Fire. Items will be accepted from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the sale grounds in Creston.
• On Saturday, grounds open at 7 AM and the general merchandise auction kicks off at 9 a.m., following the opening ceremonies. Bid tickets for Saturday cost $10 and go on sale at 7 a.m. Attendees can purchase locally made art/handicrafts, rummage sale items, homemade baked goods, and food from local vendors.
• The vehicle and equipment sale begins at 11 a.m. on Sunday. The day’s $10 bid tickets go on sale at 9 a.m.
• There is no entrance fee and no buyer’s premium. Bid ticket revenue goes entirely toward paying for 24-hour security for the weekend. Bid tickets will also be available for purchase on Friday, April 1.
• For more info, call 406-250-7396 or find Creston Auction on Facebook.
