Not an event known to disappoint, the biannual Mill Creek Neighborhood Garage Sale is scheduled to return this fall to the delight of bargain hunters from neighboring cities — even shoppers from Canada.
The long-standing tradition has been steadily growing since its debut more than 30 years ago.
The garage sale is held twice per year on the first Saturday of May and October. The next sale is scheduled for Oct. 3.
Mary Ann Heine, executive administrator of the Mill Creek Community Association, said the tradition has “taken a life of its own.”
Heine said people typically are always on the prowl for bargains and deals, regardless of the economic climate.
“In this economy, everyone is looking for a good deal,” she said.
Heine said the garage sale does not disappoint.
“There are all kinds of wonderful treasures,” she said. “We have a cosmopolitan community.”
Heine said she even gets calls from Canada inquiring about the annual garage sales.
Heine said approximately 3,500 housing units will be involved in the Oct. 3 garage sale.
Roaming the sales “is a half-day adventure,” she said.
One year she discovered a working cuckoo clock for $15. That year one homeowner sold guitars and trombones from his music shop.
“There are a lot of really good things to see,” Heine said.
Many clubs and organizations use the garage sale as an opportunity to raise money for their respective groups.
The Mill Creek Women’s Club spent proceeds from last year’s garage sale to buy a playground for Pathways, a nonprofit that assists battered women and those down on their luck.
Member Vicki Wellman said the Women’s Club serves the YWCA by organizing auctions and bazaars to raise money to help empower women. The money typically pays for purchasing three outfits so women can dress appropriately for job interviews.
“The gals are in tears,” Wellman said. “They feel good about themselves.”
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