The 45th annual Creston Auction and the accompanying RV, marine, auto and equipment sale will be held April 2-3 in Creston, 12 miles east of Kalispell on Montana 35.

One of the largest spring happenings in Montana, this family-friendly event consistently draws more than 7,000 people.

Saturday’s auction features building materials, household merchandise, sports equipment, tools, tack, specialty items and a large array of antiques. Gates open at 8 a.m. and bidding starts at 9 a.m.

Arts and crafts will be on display and for sale in the Eastside Grange Hall. A rummage sale will be held in the Creston School gym. Donations of items for the rummage sale are always needed and welcome.

Sunday afternoon’s sale features cars, trucks, boats, recreational vehicles, tractors, farm equipment, trailers, and an assortment of hundreds of other large items. The $10 bid tickets go on sale at 9 a.m. and bidding starts at noon.

Both sales are open consignment with merchandise coming from across the Northwest. Merchandise will be accepted from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, April 1, at the sale grounds in Creston. Sellers may specify that the proceeds from the sale of the consigned items (minus the consignment fee) be given to a specific organization — a way to raise money for a church, school or other group.

Hot food will be available Friday starting at 11 a.m., and all day Saturday and Sunday. Limited inside seating will be available Saturday only.

For more information, to help with the event or to list items for advertising, call 406-250-7396; write to Creston Auction, 4498 Montana 35, Kalispell, MT 59901; or visit www.crestonfire.org.

The Creston Auction and Country Fair is sponsored by the Creston Firefighters Association, a nonprofit organization. This year’s proceeds will go toward building a new firefighter training facility utilizing an existing three-room modular from the Bigfork School District.