By Tom Parker
Washington County News – September 12, 2013
Submitted by Newz Group Clipping Service – September 19, 2013
When is a fire station not a fire station? When it’s time for the annual U.S. Highway 36 Treasure Hunt, a 400-mile border-to-border shopping extravaganza. That’s when the Washington fire station becomes the regional hub for bargain shoppers traversing the state, and this year is no different. Already the place is getting packed to the rafters with everything from furniture to dishes, from silverware to auto parts.
“If you need it, we probably have it,” Jerry Alldredge said.
Alldredge, a volunteer firefighter, said the station is gearing up for another wild hunt. Though the treasure hunt doesn’t officially begin until Friday, September 20, the station’s doors will open at 6 a.m. Thursday, and remain open until 7 or 8 p.m.
And if that weren’t enough, biscuits and gravy will be served for breakfast—or all day, if customers want it—and lunch and supper will also be served, either pulled pork or sloppy joes, with chips and refreshments. MarCon pies will be available for dessert.
“We’re a pretty busy little place around here,” Alldredge said.
Volunteer firefighters, their wives and other volunteers staff the station throughout the treasure hunt. A signature feature of the items for sale is a conspicuous absence of price tags. Alldredge said the system is based on mutual trust and respect. “They’ll shoot us a price, or we’ll shoot them a price, and then we’ll meet in the middle,” he said. “It’s not a free-will offering but kind of like bartering. It usually works out pretty good.”
The majority of proceeds are earmarked for rescue equipment, he said. This year the firefighters are trying to raise enough money for a power supply for the Jaws of Life. The sale usually brings in between five and six thousand dollars each year, he said.
“It’s our big fundraiser,” he said. “It helps us buy equipment without having to raise mill levies, so it’s a win-win situation for the community.”
Twin Valley Developmental Services will bring in a yellow box truck on the north side of the station for leftovers, Alldredge said. The public is welcome to bring their own leftover items to donate to Twin Valley. Items will be recycled and sold through the organization’s two thrift stores, one in Beattie and the other in Waterville.
The treasure hunt runs through the weekend and ends on Sunday, September 22. Alldredge said he expects to be there until sometime Sunday evening.
“Long hours and lots of work,” he said, “but it’s worth it.”
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