The 49th annual Creston Auction and Country Fair and accompanying RV, marine, auto and equipment sale will take place Saturday and Sunday in Creston.

The popular event is the primary fundraiser for the all-volunteer Creston Fire Department, the largest spring event in Montana and draws thousands of people from throughout the region and Canada.

Friday is Consignment Day. Items can be consigned — meaning the largest portion of the sale price goes back to the seller — or donated, meaning all proceeds of the sale go to the Creston Fire Department. Local organizations often use the auction as a fundraiser for their group by bringing them to the sale on Consignment Day.

Merchandise will be accepted from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the sale grounds in Creston on Friday.

Grounds open at 8 a.m. Saturday. Bid tickets cost $5. The general merchandise auction kicks off at 9 a.m. following the opening ceremonies.

On Saturday, attendees can also purchase locally made arts and crafts, rummage sale items and homemade baked goods.

The vehicle and equipment sale begins at noon on Sunday. Bid tickets cost $10.

There is no entrance or parking fee and no buyer’s premium during the event. The bid ticket charge goes entirely to pay for 24-hour security. Hot food and drinks are available on both days.

Last year’s auction netted more than $45,000. All proceeds are used for additional training programs and firefighting equipment — without using tax dollars.

For more information, call 250-7396, visit the website at crestonfire.org, or find the Creston Auction on Facebook. Creston is located 12 miles east of Kalispell on Montana 35.