Going into the third annual giant garage sale in Aldergrove, Jodi Steeves, wasn’t sure what the response would be like, considering the impact of the pandemic on public get-togethers and the possibility of cloud and rain in the forecast.
But when it was all over, Steeves, president of the Aldergrove Business Association (ABA), described herself as “super happy.”
Skies were cloudy but dry and interest appeared high, with people were driving up to ask about the event even before the garage sale table was set up in the Dollarama parking lot at Fraser Highway and 273rd St. to hand out free maps giving directions to the many sales, along with free doughnuts.
For the third mass sale, there were more than 50 Aldergrove locations, including a large townhouse complex with multiple sellers.
About 270 maps and about the same number of doughnuts were handed out, which works out to more than 500 bargain hunters because virtually all of the maps were picked up by groups of two or more.
It was close to the previous year, when 60 homes took part and about 300 maps and about as many free doughnuts were handed out.
READ MORE: Mass Aldergrove garage sale rolling out treasures for third year
Among the bargain hunters were Don and Barb Day, self-described “regulars at the flea market” who came in from Abbotsford.
“Our daughter [who lives in Langley City] told us about it,” Don said.
“It’s a great idea.”
Aldergrove residents Aleta and Trevor Coop dropped by with Taryn, 3 and Teagan, 4.
“I grew up garage sale-ing,” Aleta confided.
One child appeared to be ready to follow in mom’s footsteps.
“Teagan’s got her own money [to shop with], so she’s excited,” Aleta told the Langley Advance Times.
Aldergrove resident Viekko Gladstone summed it up the whole experience when he came by with Becky Samuelson to pick up a map.
“Is this the treasure hunt?” Gladstone asked.
He said it was their first time participating in the community event.
READ ALSO: VIDEO: Return of Murrayville community garage sale reveals plenty of pent-up demand
The event is the work of Steeves, along with with Remax Aldercenter and Lori Neville with the Aldergrove Safe Community & Awareness group, the organizers and sponsors.
More photos from the day can be viewed online.
Is there more to the story? Email: dan.ferguson@langleyadvancetimes.com
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