Dateline: June 8, 2006

Citywide garage sale shaping up to be big

By Roger Estlack, Clarendon Enterprise

Residents are lining up as Friday’s deadline approaches for the first ever “Trash To Treasures” citywide garage sale slated for next Saturday, June 17.

More than 20 garage sales are already planned in Clarendon and nearby communities, and more are expected to sign up this week.

The Clarendon Enterprise and A Fine Feathered Nest, Inc., have teamed up to sponsor “Trash To Treasures,” and the organizers say they are pleased with the response so far.

“When we started talking about this idea, we said we would be happy if it got 15 participants the first year,” Enterprise publisher Roger Estlack said. “We’ve surpassed that goal and think it will only get bigger in the years to come.”

The event has expanded to include the communities of Howardwick, Hedley, and Lelia Lake. The idea of the event is to coordinate the dozens of garage sales held throughout the year, have them on the same day, and try to draw the biggest possible crowds to the sales.

Residents who wish to participate in “Trash To Treasures” should come by the Enterprise before 5 p.m. on this Friday, June 9, to sign up for the promotion.

For just $20, each household will get 50-word advertisement in the Big-E Classifieds and the exclusive “Trash To Treasures” garage sale kit, which includes tips for holding a successful sale, price stickers, and two yard signs.

In addition, the Enterprise will print a map in next week’s edition indicating the location of each sale and will promote the citywide garage sale in area newspapers and with local radio ads.

The sponsors of “Trash To Treasures” intend for the event to be something that not only will help residents earn more money at their garage and yard sales but will also bring people from out of town to Clarendon to spend the day visiting local neighborhoods and doing business with local merchants and restaurants.

Local merchants are encouraged to plan special promotions or sidewalk sales to coincide with the event, and advertising space will be made available on the back of the “Trash To Treasures” map. A Fine Feathered Nest’s Chriss Clifford has been visiting local merchants to encourage them join in the event.