Following a very successful first attempt at a valley-long Bitterroot “garage sale,” the Second Annual Bitterroot Valley 50 Mile Garage Sale has been scheduled for Friday and Saturday, June 24 and 25.
Last year a small group of Bitterroot Valley antique dealers brainstormed the idea of having a 50-mile-long garage sale. Focusing on the Bitterroot Valley as the location, the stretch from Lolo to Darby fit their idea perfectly. This group casually discussed the idea with friends and customers, and the overwhelming response was, “What a fantastic idea!” With that feedback, a date was set for the first annual event with a goal of having 100 sellers.
According to Gary Garthwait, one of the organizers, people from each of the valley’s communities joined the original volunteer group to help make plans. With their combined enthusiasm, the help of local news media, and some low budget advertising, the first year’s event grew to 250 sellers.
Private garage sales were the initial focus. Hotspot locations for multiple sellers were then added to the mix to provide a place for people to congregate in a common location and to provide a place for others to come to the valley to sell their items. Some people at very remote locations also chose to bring their items to a more accessible hotspot location during the sale. Businesses also wanted in, so a business category was added for those who wanted to conduct a sidewalk-type sale event.
Although a bit spontaneous in nature, the first Bitterroot Valley 50 Mile Garage Sale attracted people from at least 10 states and Canada. Many traveled from nearby states to sell at a friend’s house, one of the hotspots, or at a location that just seemed to spring up.
Buyers were often spotted with trailers in tow, hoping to do some major buying. Even with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees, the overwhelming response and feedback was outstanding, according to Garthwait, and they were encouraged to do it again next year.
Sellers reported brisk sales. Anything and everything seemed to be offered for sale. Vintage, antique, and collectibles were especially hot sellers with many reports of these items selling out early.
The buzz for the 2016 event started as soon as the first event ended. Sellers have been buying and stockpiling goodies to sell this year, said Garthwait. Buyers have it on their calendar and people from out of the area are already making their hotel reservations.
With last year’s experiences to draw from, this year’s sellers will know what sells best and buyers will know how to hit the ground running. The website is also much improved from last year. Now, sellers can register online and show limited photos of their offerings. They can also pay their fees by credit card or Paypal.
This an all-volunteer-run event. All fees go towards event promotion and advertising. Garage sale signup fees help get the word out, and sellers get a great garage sale sign that identifies them as part of the 50-mile sale.
Here are some tips for participation:
Garthwait offered these tips for sellers:
• Start now to get your items ready and set aside. A well-organized sale pays off.
• Decide how you want to participate and register early. The easiest way is to register is online but any of the community contacts listed on the website can also sign you up and take payment. There are five ways to participate.
Option 1. Private Garage Sale at your own home or private location. (Cost $20)
Option 2. Host a hotspot and have others join you at your location. Neighborhood associations, antique stores, and clubs are some examples. (Cost $100)
Option 3. Join another hotspot. The website has a contact list for this option. (Cost: $10 to be on the map and what other fees the hotspot sponsor may have)
Option 4. Business sale such as a sidewalk sale. (Cost: $30)
Option 5. Advertise your business on the website to show that you are a supporter and gain recognition for your business. (Cost: $75 for a full 12 months)
• Be welcoming and helpful to your customers. Many buyers will be new to the area and may need help finding their way around and reading the map that they will have with them.
All of these options are explained more fully on the website: www. bitterroot50milegaragesale.com
And Garthwait adds this tip for buyers: Plan on spending two days. It’s impossible to do it all in one. The first day will have the most items but the second day will have some great closeout pricing.
“Most of all,” adds Garthwait, “have a lot of fun.”