Vankleek Hill’s much-anticipated town-wide yard sale takes place on Saturday, June 7, from 9 am to 4 pm.

This 25-year tradition has grown in popularity over the years. For the past few years, Champlain Township has waived the requirement for a garage sale permit for the entire township, as well as within the limits of Vankleek Hill.

An initiative of the Vankleek Hill Business and Merchant Association (BMA), the idea is that town residents are encouraged to invite their friends and family to set up shop and sell items on Trash and Treasure Day.

The Windsor Tavern and Scotiabank parking lots are used by the BMA to lease spots to out-of-town vendors.

“These spaces are all filled up,” says Louise Sproule, who coordinates the event for the BMA.

“Over the years, local organizations and church groups have helped to make the event even bigger,” she says.

Church congregations organize big yard sales, BBQs, and bake sales. This year, Arbor Gallery is hosting a game and puzzle sale inside The Review reception area at 76 Main Street East in Vankleek Hill.

“This is one of those times where ‘the more, the merrier’ applies. If you have space in your driveway or front yard in Vankleek Hill, invite a friend to come and hold a yard sale at your property”, she says.

Sproule also attributes the success of the event to how easy it is for local residents to hold a garage sale on this day.

“People can sell whatever they have in their own yards and even if they don’t have a lot to sell, the BMA has advertised the event to attract thousands of people to town. It’s quite different if you host a yard sale on your own. All of the advertising is up to you and you won’t have the draw that this event has,” says Sproule.

“The BMA pays for advertising for this event and we organize porta potties for the day (located behind the Windsor Tavern). We apply for a special event permit. We ask the township to waive the requirement for a garage sale permit. We distribute flyers door to door. The event does have costs associated with it. So we really appreciate donations from anyone who has had a successful day and we appreciate being able to make a bit of revenue when vendors pay us a small fee for their sales spots,”  explains Sproule.

“We have had a few instances in the past where out-of-town folks arrive Saturday morning and randomly unload their stuff in front of someone’s business, but it doesn’t quite work that way,” she laughed. “You need permission in advance and should book a space from the BMA in one of the parking lots if you are bringing items to sell,” Sproule said. She added that some businesses have given permission for vendors to set up in front of their locations.

“We could not do this without the support of Champlain Township and our local businesses. Everyone is so enthusiastic and it is a fun day and a chance for people to walk around town, stop at yard sales and meet the folks who live here. Sometimes I think the social aspect is just as important as the buying and selling,” she suggested.

If you have questions or need information, you can email Sproule directly: [email protected].

What are Sproule’s best tips for the day? “Bring your own bags and some packing material. Bring change and extra cash as there is often a line-up at the banking machines (or they run out of cash). Bring an umbrella, just in case. Make sure your car is empty before you come. It won’t be when you leave,” she joked.

Note that the event takes place rain or shine.