54th annual Creston Auction canceled
Ivan Polus of Whitefish, left, chats with head auctioneer Dale Stere at his consignment lot on Friday afternoon, April 5, as they prepare for the 53rd Creston Auction and County Fair. (Brenda Ahearn/Daily Inter Lake FILE)
The Creston Fire Fighter’s Association announced Friday the cancellation of Creston Auction, scheduled for April 3–5, due to concerns over the COVID-19 outbreak.
“The Creston Auction brings several thousand people to Creston each year,” Auction officials stated in a media release. “Out of concern for all participants and for our Creston firefighters, who must continue to provide emergency care to our community, we feel this is the correct decision.”
“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. This decision was made not out of fear but rather out of action. The safety and well-being of the Flathead Valley and beyond must be our priority, and this action reflects that. While this decision may change the proposed construction timeline for the replacement fire station, 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.”
Organizers said they expect the auction to be “bigger and better” next year.
The raffle will still go on this year, and information can be found at www.crestonfire.org and on the Creston Auction Facebook page.
For information, contact Creston Auction at 406-250-7396.