Auction time back at Creston

The 44th annual Creston Auction and Country Fair is set for this weekend.

This fundraiser for the all-volunteer Creston Fire Department is one of the largest spring events in Montana and normally draws more than 7,000 people from the Northwest and Canada.

The auction and the accompanying recreational-vehicle, marine, auto and equipment sale will be held Saturday and Sunday in Creston, 12 miles east of Kalispell on Montana 35.

n Friday is Consignment Day. Merchandise will be accepted from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the sale grounds in Creston.

Call 406-250-7396 to have your larger items included in pre-auction advertising throughout the state.

All commissions and proceeds go back to the community in the form of training and equipment for the fire department, so consider donating an item or more from your load to the Creston Fire Department for the sale. All donations are tax deductible.

n Saturday is the main auction featuring building materials, household merchandise, sports equipment, tools, tack, specialty items and a large array of antiques. Grounds open at 8 a.m. and bidding starts at 9 a.m. There is no buyer’s premium this year, and $5 will buy you a bid number for the day.

Also on Saturday, arts and crafts will be on sale in the Eastside Grange Hall. A rummage and bake sale featuring lefse will be held in the Creston School gym.

Donated items for the rummage and bake sales always are needed and welcome. Hot food will be available all day, including Montana-made beef sausages, freshly made chili and funnel cakes.

n On Sunday, the bidding starts at noon on cars, trucks, boats, recreational vehicles, tractors, farm equipment, trailers and other large items. The $10 bid tickets go on sale at 9 a.m.

Visa and MasterCard are accepted for auction purchases only. Rummage and bake sale and all food purchases should be by cash or check.

For more information, or to list items for advertising, call 406-250-7396. Information also is available at www.crestonfire.org.