People at the Clark County Fairgrounds were able to buy quilts, knives, pet supplies and other items during the NW’s Largest Garage Sale on Saturday, Nov. 5.
Samantha Buckley was at the event with a collection of superhero action figures and toys featuring characters from horror movies. Buckley is the owner of The Toy Lady, which is a toy and collectible business.
“It helps me fund my collecting habit,” she said.
Buckley said she likes to collect vintage alien toys and “a little bit of everything.” One of her favorite items she placed up for sale at the event was from her personal collection, a character from the movie “Saw.” Buckley acquires the toys through wholesale contracts and also goes on the hunt for specific items.
“My goal is to try to find toys at a reasonable price so that I can sell them and beat the scalpers,” she said.
As for Robert Ocheltree, he sold a number of knives and stun guns as well as leather goods like wallets and belts through his business Love Leathers.
“My aunt’s been doing this business for 30 plus years and I’ve been doing it maybe six years,” Ocheltree said.
He said the business has done well at the garage sales and this year was no different. Ocheltree noted Love Leathers’ self defense items are popular.
Annie’s Pet Stuff was also at the sale with a large selection of pet products, which included pouches to carry dogs, treats and harnesses.
“It’s adjustable, and it has a pocket for your cell phone, and then it has a brightly-colored thing to hook your dog to, so that when you’re carrying it around, it doesn’t jump out,” said co-owner Annie Sons as she described a dog harness.
Sons said they also make overalls, dresses and raincoats for dogs, as well as pet ID tags.
Erika Merchen stuck to a more traditional garage sale format as she sold vintage items like plates and knick-knacks.
“We’re out supporting another year of NW’s Largest Garage Sale,” Merchen said. “This is actually our 10th year. Through COVID, of course, we couldn’t join the sale that particular year, but we’re back.”
The event this year featured a solid turnout. Merchen said her items were “flying off” the shelves.
Merchen, who sells the items alongside her brother and sister-in-law, said they mainly acquire their wares from garage sales in Portland and other places.
“I love the history behind the pieces. … Everything is so different and you can honestly find just about anything here. Not just our booth, but the whole sale in particular,” she said.
Kim Buffum, the organizer of the event, was happy with the turnout.
“Our fall sale went great,” Buffum said. “This was our 13th year of putting on this event and we feel very blessed that people come out and support us and our community.”
Buffum said they sold out of vendor spaces. The sale featured over 600 booths and thousands of shoppers.
She said her favorite part about the event is that people can buy stuff for themselves and their family at a fraction of department store prices. The vintage items at the event also help serve as a reminder of the past, Buffum said.
The next sale will be held on April 23. Buffum encourages people to sign up online at nwgsales.com. She emphasized that no experience is needed and new and returning vendors are welcome.
