JULIE BERTRAND/Independent reporter
Going with the trend as is customary this time of the year, Stettler Town and Country Museum declared open its annual garage sale fundraiser on May 13.
“It usually helps us to pay to have some maintenance done around the museum,” said Karen Wahlund, museum manager.
Items came from estates and people moving or downsizing their homes.
“We start collecting things in September and October,” said Wahlund.
“We have a facility building opened to store the items over winter.”
Stettler residents could find a good deal on a variety of items, from a fairly modern TV, to china, VHS tapes, books and gardening stuff.
“The garden stuff was pretty well the first to go. We had probably a dozen vehicles sitting and waiting for us to open at 1 p.m. on May 13,” said Wahlund.
“That part got cleaned out pretty quickly. Wooden plant pots are always popular. “
Wahlund is realistic about the fate of some items that are less in demand.
“A fair amount of stuff doesn’t move unfortunately,” said Wahlund.
The remaining items are given to local charities and organizations.
On average, the garage sale brings in between $1,500 and $2,000 for the museum.
“It may sound like a minimal amount but it still helps a lot,” said Wahlund.
After three days, they raised $1,210 .
While many people came to the sale during the first weekend, few people came on May 19.
“People just kind of trickled in, even though that just too busy an expression for it,” said Wahlund.
The museum stuff is happy with the garage sale results and hope to hold similar events in the fall.