There are certain days we all mark on the calendar every year — Christmas, Easter, birthdays. But Miss Trixie has one more circled in bright red, and in her book, it ranks right up there with the birth of the baby Jesus. Well maybe not that high but any who. That day? The annual Creede Ladies Aid Society Rummage Sale.  

Held last Wednesday and Thursday at the old Creede High School Gymnasium (aka Virginia Christensen Multi Use Facility,) this legendary event is a fundraiser for locals who might need a helping hand throughout the year. These ladies have been doing good since 1899 when they first organized, which means they’ve been helping folks since before sliced bread—or indoor plumbing, for that matter. 

Now Ol’ Dutch isn’t saying any of the current members were around for the founding, but one of them did mention she felt tired enough to have been. And honestly, I believe her. These gals put on the granddaddy of all rummage sales, and people swarm in like bees to a pot of honey. This year was no exception — they raised a jaw-dropping $38,368.62, a new record. That’s a lot of toasters and turtlenecks. 

I’m not sure when Miss Trixie first discovered this sacred event, but now she schedules her year around it. She makes sure to have both days off of work, and together we go — though it’s mostly her doing the rummaging while I try not to get trampled.  

We arrive at the butt crack of dawn so she can secure her place at the front of the line. Rain or shine. Cold or colder. It's one of the most fun things Ol’ Dutch gets to do all summer, and the ladies hosting it are sweeter than a jar of peach preserves. Somehow, they remember us every year, which is either a testament to their memory or Miss Trixie's shopping enthusiasm. 

When the doors finally opened this year, folks rushed in like they were giving away free gold bars. It was a whirlwind of elbows, baskets, and bargains. Ol’ Dutch got caught up in it and had to wrestle himself free from a few determined grandmas who mistook me for a bargain. Miss Trixie said they’d have demanded a refund once they got me home — and she may have a point. 

The rummage frenzy was a sight to behold. Items flew out faster than geese leaving the area before a snowstorm. I finally had to retreat to the bleachers and just watch the madness unfold. The crowd was a mix of locals, tourists, and professional treasure hunters, and they were having the time of their lives. 

Every so often, I’d see Miss Trixie emerge from the fray, arms piled high — fishing shirts for Ol’ Dutch, a blender, a stack of nicknacks, an electric blanket, and Lord knows what else. All of it priced cheap enough to make a tightwad weep with joy. Naturally, half of what folks bought will end up in their own garage sales down the line. But that’s just the beautiful circle of rummage life. 

Even Ol’ Dutch got in on the action this year. For the first time ever, I threw my hat into the silent auction ring and walked away with a Western photo of a cowgirl, a pair of binoculars, and some old beaded moccasins that might date back to the 1800s. I don’t know what came over me — I blame the excitement and maybe a temporary lapse in my usual tight-fisted Scottish control. 

But hey, it was for a good cause. 

We ended the day with a haul of 15 paintings, mostly bought for the frames, which we plan to use in the new house. So once again, we’ll head back to Texas next fall with more than we brought — which Miss Trixie proudly calls “winning.” 

And honestly? She’s not wrong. 

Speaking of fundraisers, rumor has it that the Del Norte Pee Wee Spirit Squad has a car wash happening July 26 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Class 5 Car Wash. Food, music and fun await you. We all win when we support our local kids.  

Kevin Kirkpatrick spends his days fishing, hunting, ATVing, hiking, or making people laugh. His email is Kevin@TroutRepublic.com. Additional news can be found at www.troutrepublic.com.