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Deals, steals, and heroes: The High Country Auxiliary’s flea market at the Gilpin County Fairgrounds Barn on September 6 and 7 offered great finds, with proceeds supporting local first responders like Timberline Fire, GCART, and other vital emergency services.[/caption]
If you like helping out a good cause while bargain shopping, the High Country Auxiliary (HCA) Flea Market is the perfect event for you.
Held on September 6 and 7 at the Gilpin County Fairgrounds barn, this annual tradition has been a cornerstone of community support for over 35 years.
By shopping at the Flea Market, you’re not just scoring great deals; you’re directly supporting local first responders, including the Timberline Fire Protection District, Gilpin County Animal Rescue Team (G-CART), and other emergency services in need.
Terri Miller, chair of HCA, shared insights into the organization's mission and the significant role the Flea Market plays in supporting local first responders.
“This is our second largest fundraiser,” Miller explained. “We used to have a silent auction as our biggest, but now it’s the pancake breakfast that’s held during the fair.” The HCA also sponsors the pancake breakfast at the Gilpin County Fair and hosts chili drive-bys, where members of the community can grab a container of homemade chili.
The Flea Market’s success hinges on community involvement, with more than 50 individuals contributing a diverse range of items. From furniture and appliances to jewelry, toys, and household goods, the variety ensures something for everyone. Donations can be made throughout the year.
“We had donations from over 50 people and hundreds of items, including lots of kids’ stuff, which was very popular,” Miller said.
Each year, volunteers set up rows of tables filled with treasures waiting to find new homes. This year’s event saw a significant turnout, with many eager early birds making purchases as soon as the doors opened. Despite the rush, plenty of items were still available for the second day, making it an exciting shopping opportunity for the entire community.
The funds raised are used to support emergency services across Gilpin County. “Whoever asks us for money, we usually try to help,” Miller noted. The HCA’s support is crucial, especially when unexpected needs arise.
For instance, Timberline recently needed specialized fire blankets designed to extinguish vehicle fires, a request outside their regular budget. Thanks to HCA’s fundraising efforts, they were able to fulfill this need, ensuring firefighters are equipped with the necessary tools to keep the community safe.
Additionally, the HCA provides direct support to firefighters during emergencies. “If there’s an emergency, and the firefighters can’t respond, we step in,” Miller explained.
Volunteers from HCA are on a call-out list, ready to provide food and other support to first responders at the scene of a crisis. Local casinos, as well as JKQ, Basecamp, and the KOA, have partnered with HCA, donating food that volunteers then deliver to emergency sites.
“I’ve been to places in the county I didn’t even know existed,” Miller said, highlighting the vast and often remote areas they cover in support of the Timberline Fire District.
While the Flea Market and other fundraisers are essential, Miller stressed the ongoing need for volunteers. “We have a five-member board and about 52 volunteers on our roster, but we’re always looking for more people,” she said.
Volunteering can involve everything from helping set up fundraisers to responding to emergencies alongside the HCA team. To volunteer, email HCA80422@gmail.com.
As HCA continues its work, the call for more volunteers remains open. Whether donating items or money, shopping at the event, or joining the team, every contribution helps ensure that those who serve are never without the resources they need.
