Crowds won't be gathering for this year's Creston Auction, but a raffle offers a great way to support the rural fire department.
Although the Creston Fire Fighter’s Association cancelled the 2020 Creston Auction and Country Fair, scheduled for April 3–5, the organization is encouraging supporters and auction attendees to participate in a raffle drawing for six prizes.
The two-day auction typically draws thousands to this rural community in the Flathead Valley. It was cancelled in light of public health concerns surrounding the spread of the COVID 19 virus. According to a press release, “Out of concern for all participants and for our Creston Fire Fighters, who must continue to provide emergency care to our community, we feel this is the correct decision.”
Raffle tickets are $10 each or three for $25, and offer a chance to win one of six prizes: a Traeger Pro Series pellet grill; a weekend getaway to Quinn’s Hot Springs near Paradise; “Howdy,” a painting by Jeff Fleming; a smoked, cured, and custom-cut and wrapped whole hog; season tickets for two to the Bigfork Summer Playhouse; and a wooden, double settee. Ticket sales close at 5 p.m. April 4, and the winning tickets will be drawn at noon April 5, at the auction grounds in Creston (no need to be present).
Raffle proceeds go directly to the building fund for the new Creston Fire Station.
“This decision was not made lightly, and it comes with significant financial impact during a time of fund-raising for a replacement fire station in Creston,” say auction organizers. “This decision was made not out of fear, but rather out of action … The health and well-being of all who come to the Creston Auction and all who volunteer to make the event happen, as well as the overall potential impacts to an already busy healthcare infrastructure, must come first.”
The auction has been a springtime staple for locals and visitors from as far afield as Canada for more than 50 years. “This is not a curtailment but rather a timeout until we come back with an even bigger and better Creston Auction in 2021,” vow organizers.
The fire department also notes that cancellation of the auction, and the corresponding loss of revenue, may slow construction of the new fire station. In addition to purchasing raffle tickets, the Creston Fire Fighters also welcome direct donations to the building fund.
For information, visit www.crestonfire.org or the Creston Auction Facebook page or call 406-250-7396. Checks for raffle tickets may be mailed, along with contact info, to Creston Fire, 4498 MT Hwy. 35, Kalispell, MT 59901.
The Creston Fire Department is an all-volunteer organization dedicated to reducing loss of life and property through fire and emergency medical response, prevention and education. The department has been providing service to the Creston community since the late 1950s and has some of the best-equipped and trained firefighters in Montana.