The 48th Annual Creston Auction and Country Fair and the accompanying auto, marine, RV and equipment sale will be held the weekend of April 5 and 6 in Creston, 12 miles east of Kalispell on Montana 35. 

This fundraiser for the all-volunteer Creston Fire Department annually draws thousands of people from throughout the region and Canada.

On Consignment Day, April 4, merchandise will be accepted from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the sale grounds in Creston. Items can be consigned, meaning a large portion of the sale price goes back to the seller, or donated, meaning all proceeds go to the Creston Fire Department. 

 April 5 is the main event — a daylong auction featuring building materials, household goods, tools, tack, antiques and many other items. Grounds open at 8 a.m. The opening ceremony will begin promptly at 9 a.m. with the presentation of colors and the national anthem. Bidding starts immediately afterward. Bid numbers for Saturday can be purchased for $5. 

Local arts and crafts will be on sale in the Eastside Grange Hall and a rummage and bake sale will be held in the Creston School gym. Donated items for the rummage and bake sale are always needed. 

Hot food, including Montana beef sausages, chili and Indian tacos, will be available all day.

On April 6, 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. 

MasterCard and Visa (with a 3 percent convenience fee) will be accepted for auction purchases only, so attendees should bring cash, a check or an ATM card for other purchases.

There is no buyer's premium for either day.

For more information, visit the auction FAQs page at www.crestonfire.org, on Facebook or call the auction hotline at 406-250-7396.