In spite of a smoke-filled wind hitting the Hawthorne vicinity on Saturday morning, Aug. 29, the committed yard sale fans were driving through the streets to find that one item they couldn’t live without.  Each participating yard sale held their own unique items, which the buyers rummaged through while sharing fun remarks and asking, “what’s this used for?” Some buyers lamented that there were advertised sales not open, which was most likely due to the blustery winds.  But the day was not a loss as others made the best of it by using awnings and indoor solutions to plow forward.

One inventive couple was hunkered down in their organized front yard of treasures.  Rick and Missy Ramey had been working through their stuff, creating piles from their home and from their garage.

Missy confirmed the effort they had put forth. “We worked on this for over a month. As soon as we heard it would be a community thing, it was on. We’re just trying to eliminate the clutter. He thinks it’s junk, but all the hobbies I’ve had are out here on display. You could say, it was special to me at one time or another. Now I hope the next person will have fun scrapbooking, baking or creating with all these things I put out.”

Another shopper stated, “You can sure learn a lot about someone, from the stuff we keep, buy or sell at garage sales.  I don’t really need anything, but it’s fun to do the hunt.”

The selling that took place at Souled Out, located on E Street, was suppose to be outside, but it was quickly moved inside to save the participants from losing items that would’ve blown away.  With checkered tablecloths and a clean atmosphere, it was a friendly environment to shop among the new, used and artistic items located inside.  With a spacious area full of venders, several shared the desire to do it again in the future.

One buyer, Yolanda Garcia commented, “It feels like an indoor flea market.” Gay Williams agreed, “It’s been nice seeing people come through and I’ve been selling things throughout the morning. It’s a fun, social thing.”

Without hesitation, families moved through the Saturday sales like an expedition.  “It’s a day of exploring,” one mother shared. “While I’m picking up bargains, my kids are spending their own money to find keepsakes and new toys.”  Buyers followed each other in cars, arriving in teams at each spot lined out from the Independent-News printed yard sale ad.  Many commented about addresses to check out, while advising of clothing bargains, kids games or large items for sale.

Most were anxious to plan another community yard sale for the spring, knowing there would be enough overflow to create another event.