Northwest Magazines

By Leslie Budewitz

In a country school playfield, in a lush Montana farm valley, 7000 friends gather to celebrate spring at the annual Creston Auction and Country Fair. On March 31 through April 1, the auction—largest of its kind in several states—turns 41.

The Creston Auction raises funds for the all-volunteer, 35-member Creston Fire Department. In recent years, the CFD battled fires in nearby Glacier Park.

On Friday, consignment day, trucks line Hwy 35. On Saturday, folks trek through rows of their neighbors’ cast-off treasures. They eye the vehicles—trucks, tractors, boats, and RVs—to be sold Sunday.

Early April weather is unpredictable. “It’s like Christmas,” the auctioneer with the waxed black mustache calls out. “Snowflakes on the way.” Standing on one of four wheeled carts rolling down the aisles, he’s bundled into heavy clothes and sips hot coffee between spiels.

What started as one man’s plan to supplement CFD revenue by auctioning farm equipment has become a rite of spring, time to emerge from hibernation. The auction now draws people from across western Montana and northern Idaho.

“What I like as much as any of it,” says Fire Chief Gary Mahugh, “is the social diversity.” People come to visit as much as to shop.

“Never fails,” a retired farmer says. “I see somebody I haven’t seen since the last auction. Don’t buy anything anymore—my shed’s still full of the last stuff I bought here.”

“The stuff” consigned varies each year. Tools and antiques are always popular. The crowd oohs and ahhs over a wooden buckboard, then falls silent to hear the bidding.

A butter churn prompts memories from old-timers, while a life-size bronze elk draws more curiosity than bids. Old suitcases, wooden chairs, rocking horses, doors and windows, new and used.

“Bachelor’s kitchen here,” a red-haired auctioneer bellows. “Use ’em all and throw ’em away.” After the laughter, he adds a bit of practical advice: “Good for hunting camp.” If an item doesn’t sell, he combines it with another, “all for one money.”

Amish girls eat popcorn. A bearded man in a black suit cradles his baby daughter, also in black, except for her tiny powder–blue mittens.

Volunteers start planning in the fall. On auction day, the chili cook fires up the stove at 4 a.m. The last items are sold under the lights. Vendors sell log furniture and camouflage clothing. In 2007, a crafts sale is planned in the nearby grange hall.

“Got me a battery charger here. The guy who left his lights on in the parking lot will need this.” No one bids. The auctioneer fires it up, the smooth sound sparks interest.

No chance of getting stranded here. If the sheriff’s posse doesn’t help first, a dozen others will. There are no strangers at the Creston Auction. And no one goes home empty-handed, unless they want to.

The Creston Auction and Country Fair is held at the Creston School playfield on Hwy 35, 12 miles east of Kalispell, Montana. (406-261-5913; http://crestonfire.org)

Northwest Travel March/April 2007