One man's (or woman's) junk ...

We've all heard it ... one man's junk is another man's treasure. It's true. For real. And it will come to life in a huge way this weekend.

It's garage sale season and Saturday is Gothenburg's Citywide Garage Sales, organized by the Gothenburg Chamber of Commerce.  Folks spend $15 and the Chamber advertises their garage sale on a map in the newspapers, on the Chamber website and social media sites. Then the work begins for the folks at home.

Some go to a tremendous amount of work to clean out their closets, toy rooms, storage sheds or attics every spring, then price each item with a sticky tag or simple strip of masking tape. Others know they're going to have a garage sale at least once a year and they plan ahead, collecting their wares in one location throughout the year. Either way, why not get a few bucks for the things you no longer want or need?

I'm always amazed at how many people look forward to the Citywide Garage Sales every year, both those shopping and those selling. For buyers, it's often about the "find," and there are certainly some treasures to be had out there. For sellers, it's about the liberation of purging. For the Chamber, it's an opportunity to serve the community and to show off for the many folks who come from other towns just for the sales.

An added twist this year is that Chamber member businesses could put their address on the garage sale map for free, allowing them to entice some some shoppers into their stores. Charm, Dee's Floral & Gifts, Mind.Body.Balance.Breathe., Ribbons & Roses and Sander Furniture will all have specials on Saturday. A couple of other Chamber members — the YMCA and Banner Church — are having actual garage sales. All the funds raised by the Banner Church sale, a multi-family affair at 820 Jefferson, will go toward the church's elevator fund.

Get out there and see what kinds of treasures you can find!
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