44th Creston Auction kicks off this weekend

Forty-four years ago in Creston's fields, farmers were gathering to auction livestock and goods prior to the start of the season.

Today, farmers, along with residents from throughout the Valley, show up at those same fields for one of the area's biggest events — the weekend-long Creston Auction & County Fair.

Thousands of people will attend the auction, the main fundraiser for the all-volunteer Creston Fire Department held each spring prior to the fields' use for farming.

It sees a whole spectrum of items — some nearly new and others "well-loved." Rows upon rows are filled with 'stuff" ranging from a brand new JD fiberglass sun canopy to a 1890 Eastlake-style gentleman's dresser this year. Four or five wagons will be going at a time with professional auctioneers.

"It's a really fabulous first-time auction experience," said Julie Laing, one of the auction's organizers.

Attendees have an hour before the auction starts Saturday to look around and plenty of time to watch and see how it works, she said.

The auction usually brings in somewhere between $25,000 and $30,000 for the fire department each year, according to Chief Gary Mahugh. The department consists of 31 volunteer firefighters who rely on events like this to get them through the year.

"It allows us to purchase equipment and provide training we would not be able to offer with just what we get from the tax levy. It's just not enough," Mahugh said. "It makes a big difference in what we are able to provide."

That's particularly true as expenses continue to climb for the department, he said.

While the net proceeds go to the fire department, some of the money raised also goes toward putting on the auction. One of the larger expenses, Laing said, is security for the grounds, particularly overnight.

Proceeds were down slightly last year, Laing said, as were donations. A lot of that had to do with the economy and the weather. She had people call who said they couldn't get into their sheds because of snow last year to get items out to bring to the auction.

"Auction weekend is always kind of unpredictable," she said, adding that she hopes that snow won't be the case this weekend.

The auction relies heavily on volunteers with more than 200 people usually involved.

The most assistance is needed on consignment day, Friday, April 9. Merchandise will be accepted from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the sale grounds in Creston. Friday's volunteers can stop by for an hour or two, or the full day.

Help is also needed Saturday to ride around on the wagons to record prices. A training meeting will be held earlier in the morning. Laing encourages those interested in helping Saturday to call in advance, so organizers can have an idea of the number of people they'll have to work with.

"It really is a community event," Laing said. "It's the main source of funding for the fire department, but also a great community gathering."

Friday

People can bring their items on consignment day, Friday. Donations are accepted, but otherwise the department takes a percentage of the profits from the sale and gives the rest back to the owner. All donations are tax deductible.

Saturday

Saturday, April 10, is the main event, featuring building materials, household merchandise, sports equipment, tools, specialty items and a large array of antiques. Grounds open at 8 a.m., and bidding starts at 9 a.m. It also includes a rummage sale, bake sale, arts and crafts as well as hot food and beverages. Added this year will be a pie auction. Inspired by the number of pies received at the auction's bake sale last year, organizers decided to auction off the pies as well. They'll be interspersed throughout Saturday's auction.

Sunday

Sunday, April 11, the bidding starts at noon on cars, trucks, boats, recreational vehicles, tractors, farm equipment, trailers and other large items.

Entry to the grounds is free, but a bid number will cost $5 on Saturday and $10 on Sunday.

For more information, call 250-7396 or visit at www.crestonfire.org.