Citywide garage sale draws droves to city campus
by Dan Holland
The Broadview Heights annual citywide garage sale, held Aug. 27-29, included close to 100 sale spots at residences around the city, with 61 individual sales being held Aug. 29 on the lawn in front of the city amphitheater.
Area residents flooded onto city campus to hunt for the best bargains from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. in a festival-like atmosphere that featured live entertainment by singer Ray Flanagan. Food trucks included Rolling in the Dough and Franks ‘N Shakes.
A short list of items for sale included auto accessories, artwork, baby items, books, clothing, furniture, household items, hunting and fishing gear, musical instruments, pet items, tools, toys and games, sports equipment and more.
City Clerk Lisa Putka first began organizing the citywide event in 2014. She noted that this is the fourth year for the one-day city campus garage sale, an event that continues to grow each year.
“This year, we have 61 sales on campus, and we are maxed out on this space,” said Putka. “You can walk to each tent, find a wide variety of items for sale, and everybody seems to be enjoying the event.”
“This is one of my favorite events, as everyone likes to be here and has a good time in a fun, family atmosphere, and it keeps growing every year,” she continued. “We may have to expand onto the football field to accommodate more booths next year.”
The city had a large tent set up to accept donated items, while Volunteers of America sent a truck to take away any unsold or unwanted items at the end of the day.
Broadview Heights residents Bruce Crawford and Nichole Nemeth set up a booth for a third year in a row. “Our best sellers have been all the clothes on the racks,” said Crawford. “Shoes, household items, crafting, Christmas and sports items are all selling well.”
Local resident John Fait and his son, Tom Fait, offered a wide selection of hunting and fishing items for sale.
“I bought a couple of bait shops over the years, I collect antique lures and I do a number of shows selling hunting and mostly fishing items,” explained John Fait. “We’re doing really well today, as we’ve sold a lot of the lures and a lot of kids’ fishing outfits.”
Brecksville Councilperson Ann Koepke, along with daughters Mallory and Victoria, set up a canopy to sell their items for a third consecutive year.
“It’s mostly clothing that has sold well – girls’ clothes seem to be a winner and girls’ shoes,” said Koepke. “We’re also selling hats, prom dresses, homecoming dresses and some Halloween costumes, as well as offering some free sheet music and other odds and ends.”
The Brecksville-Broadview Heights High School Alumni Association set up a display at the event for the first time as a club fundraiser.
“It’s mostly miscellaneous household items, Christmas decorations and a separate booth set to sell our alumni association T-shirts and sweatshirts,” explained Suzanne Young. “It was an idea to see how this goes, and it’s been so well received that we’re hoping to do it again next year.”
