Volunteers are needed for the 50th annual Creston Auction and Country Fair and the accompanying auto, marine, recreational-vehicle and equipment sale.

The auction will be held the weekend of April 1-3 in Creston, 12 miles east of Kalispell on Montana 35. The three-day event is run entirely by volunteers and raises money for the rural Creston Fire Department.

People interested in volunteering are invited to attend a meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 24, at the Creston Fire Station, 4498 Montana 35, to learn more about how they can participate.

During auction weekend, help is needed April 1 to unload trucks and trailers as items are dropped off at the sale site. Intake on Consignment Day runs from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., so community members can help for the morning, afternoon or even just a couple of hours after work.

Volunteers are also sought for every aspect of the auction, which starts at 9 a.m. April 2 and noon April 3. Community members make this fundraiser happen and the Creston Fire Department welcomes auction attendees to volunteer for part of the event.

With multiple food stations, an indoor rummage sale and the outdoor auction, there are areas suited for everyone to help out. The fire department particularly needs people who can hold up auction items, like to work with food and can help with cleanup.

Food and drink will be available to all volunteers each day. Volunteers are reminded to dress for the weather; work gloves are also advisable, particularly Friday.

The Creston Auction and Country Fair is the Creston Fire Department’s annual fundraiser. Last year’s auction raised $39,000. Money raised at this year’s event will be used for firefighter training, education and safety equipment, as well as public safety efforts.

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

The Creston Auction and Country Fair is sponsored by the Creston Firefighters Association, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.