AS-IT-HAPPENED COVERAGE: Scenes from West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day 2015

LINKS: Web map here * Printable list/map here * Benefit sales here * Donation drives here

FIRST UPDATE, 9 AM: Good morning! Our as-it-happens coverage of West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day 2015 is under way. You never know what you’ll find – check out what we discovered (above and below) when we checked out setup at multi-seller Sale #21, C & P Coffee Company (5612 California SW)

We’re on the road stopping by sales for photos while WSCGSD continues until 3 pm. Unusual items? Unusual happenings? Send pics to garagesale@westseattleblog.com.

9:13 AM: We’re starting in the south – more sales this year in Arbor Heights than before (of course, overall, we have more sales than ever before – the recordsetting 340+ is up 25% from last year). Above, the #DUH is for Sale #5, which is swarmed, and billed on another pole as “PLEASE BUY OUR STUFF.” (added) Sale hosts, Kerry and Steve:

Next, we’re headed to Sale #15 at Arbor Heights Adult Family Home (10842 35th SW), with proceeds benefiting the NW Parkinson’s Foundation:

9:27 AM UPDATE: Another benefit sale just sent a photo – Sale #46 at Dance! West Seattle, on the north side of the historic Fauntleroy Schoolhouse (4320 SW Director St.):

They note, “We’ve got costumes, toys, clothes, and a bake sale.” Next, a photo from Katie at Sale #322:

Katie says, “Sale happening at 4127 49th Ave Sw (dead-end block of 49th off Dakota) is selling plants to raise money for the Children’s Garden. Stop by!” Next, we stopped by Sale #91 to say hi to Allison in High Point:

She is at 2812 SW Graham. Note that the map software seems to have trouble with High Point, so be extra-sure to go by street addresses, not just map markers.

HOUR 2 BEGINS, 10:04 AM: We’re in the Alki area after getting a tip about a Seafair Pirates sighting.

More on that later. En route now to Sale #282, the northernmost sale on the map. When they advertised an old Hotpoint range, they REALLY meant “old”:

That sale is at a beach cottage on Duwamish Head, at 1258 Alki SW. From the mailbox, Jill says, “Come say hi to Huck at Sale #197!”

Jill and Huck are at 4048 56th Ave SW. Which reminds us that the hosts of Sale #320 at 3278 41st Ave SW invite you to come meet their bunny.

10:26 AM: We’re at West Seattle High School, Sale #270 on the map, which is having a benefit sale to raise money for Grad Night, a fun time that helps make sure seniors survive the night after graduation.

Perhaps you’d be interested in a classic West Seattle 5K T-shirt?

This year’s race, by the way (co-sponsored by WSB), is one week from tomorrow – Sunday, May 17th, 9 am, on Alki. Meantime, from the mailbox, Susan sends a photo from Sale #159:

Remember, you can click on any line on the list at the right side of the online map, and that’ll open a bubble with the address AND description. Susan’s description also mentions tools and exercise equipment.

11:02 AM UPDATE: Hour #3 of West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day is under way. Our most-recent stops include the West Seattle Tool Library, which is on the north side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center in North Delridge (4408 Delridge Way SW):

On the map, the Tool Library is Sale #335. And they’re accepting donations as well as selling items – the award-winning WSTL, in fact, launched several years ago with tools in part procured during WSCGSD.

11:30 AM: We’re in The Junction. Hotwire Online Coffeehouse (WSB sponsor) is the biggest multi-seller site every WSCGSD, with dozens of sellers who also spill into the Ginomai parking lot across the alley to the east – Sale #183. It’s also steps away from the West Seattle Eagles‘ Auxiliary sale to the south – Sale #182 (4426 California SW). Can’t miss the sign!

This is an outdoor AND indoor sale:

Also in The Junction:

In the newly improved parking lot at the Alki Masonic Center (40th/Edmunds), it’s Sale #300, hosted by Amethyst Chapter #138, Order of Eastern Star. And from the mailbox – Sara says Sale #347 “is off to a good start”:

She’s at 2201 SW Holden. Back to the west, at 6040 California SW:

West Seattle’s only co-working space, WS Office Junction (free all next week, by the way – look for more on that later), is on the map too – Sale #77.

12:29 PM: We’re halfway through Hour 4 already. Had to stop down for lunch – options abound (in addition to the F3-benefit hot dogs at Hotwire, mentioned above) – we went to West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor), which happens to be having one of its spring/summer benefit barbecues today, burger or hot dog, chips, drink, proceeds to fight MS. And on the west side of the Thriftway lot, you’ll find Sale #71, which is a lemonade/bake sale and donation drive for Pathfinder K-8 (more details here):

Not far south of there, at Sale #97 in Gatewood, via e-mail:

Writes Christine, “Cooper is welcoming shoppers at 6741 38th Ave SW! A secretary desk and dining by table and chairs are hoping to find a new home.” Continuing south to Westwood:

The tweet is from Sale #106 at 8633 32nd SW. Another tweet, from east of The Junction:

Lots of moving sales today, and that’s one of ’em, Sale #102 at 4853 37th SW. Meantime, an indoor sale if you want to get out of the sun for a few – including cooking pots, drink glasses, more:

Sale 109 is in The Triangle, 3618 SW Alaska, American Legion Post 160/West Seattle Veteran Center (look for the cannon out front).

1:17 PM UPDATE: Hour 5! We’re back on the road, headed first to Highland Park – saw a sign promising an “epic sale” at 12th/Othello, and we believe that’ll be Sale #329. … And indeed it was.

“10 years in the making!” as the sign said:

We then found the sign for Sale #332, easternmost sale on our map, in the remote eastern reaches of Highland Park:

Also in Highland Park – two sales just a block apart, Sale #327 at 15th/Trenton:

And uphill to the east, Sale #350 at 14th/Trenton:

Checking the mailbox – Sale #42 relocated to 40th and Morgan, 6351 40th Ave SW to be specific – “Lots of kids’ stuff, vintage Pendleton blankets and, of course, lemonade!”

The lemonade’s a good idea – it’s getting hot out here. (For Seattle in May, anyway.) Just saw someone walk by with an umbrella … for shade! Also from the mailbox, in the Alki area, Elle is at Sale #295, 2485 55th SW:

She says, “I’m the only one on my street but I’ve got some goodies! Several 3/$1, 2/$5, 3/$5 etc. Accepting best offers as we are moving.”

2 PM UPDATE: Last hour, already – did you see Alison, an independent consultant with Thirty-One Gifts, when you stopped by C & P? If not, go back!

She’s having a gift certificate giveaway and is independently registered as Sale #87 (5612 California SW, out front of C&P). Meantime, we’re also hearing from shoppers:

Karen sent that photo and noted, “This is the haul my son found at his first garage sale of the day.”

2:45 PM UPDATE: We made one last stop, the Delta Kappa Gamma benefit sale at 8436 Fauntleroy Way SW, across from Lincoln Park:

And we just received this via e-mail, from Lee at Sale #174, 4420 46th SW:

Good day so far! Had an middle school friend show up! (pic attached)

Planning on selling until 4:30-5 with another sale tomorrow. I left a box with jewelry inside on accident, so that’s new here. Also still some musical equipment, tables, board games and records for sale. Met a lot of neighbors. Phew! What a day!

That’s what we always love to hear each year – WSCGSD giving neighbors a chance to see each other face to face. It’s been a beautiful day; thanks to all the sellers and shoppers. Now it’s the afterparty … a boon for local nonprofits accepting donations of leftovers (or items non-sellers want to donate) … separate story to come. Since West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day is always on the second Saturday in May, next year it will be May 14, 2016.

31 Replies to "AS-IT-HAPPENED COVERAGE: Scenes from West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day 2015"

  • VC May 9, 2015 (9:09 am)

    FYI, all links to the online map that I’ve tried takes me to the 2014 map.

  • VC May 9, 2015 (9:58 am)

    It works now; after resetting cookies. Thank you.

  • Twobottles May 9, 2015 (10:36 am)

    Yard sales – where complete strangers pay you for the privilege of hauling away your garbage 😉

    • WSB May 9, 2015 (10:38 am)

      We call it “person-to-person recycling.” :)

  • maplesyrup May 9, 2015 (11:00 am)

    Ever notice there’s a difference of only letter between garage and garbage?

    • WSB May 9, 2015 (11:10 am)

      Maple, that is close to a quote from my grandma, in whose honor we agreed to take this over when its founders disbanded before the 2008 sale.

  • C May 9, 2015 (11:02 am)

    Long time resident… 1st time garage sale attendee… I agree with twobottles… Everything is junk & vastly over described… People will get more $ from a goodwill tax donation than trying to sell… Wa-waaaa : (
    Oh & be careful of the traffic & people… We almost got hit 4 times while driving in the last half hour

  • Karen May 9, 2015 (11:52 am)

    I think the yard sale is great this year! I’m filling up on tools for my preschool classroom and have found many bargains. I also found an awesome hanging glass grapes lamp!!

  • Blinkyjoe May 9, 2015 (12:01 pm)

    Everything is in various stages of becoming garbage….credit to Jerry Seinfeld…
    https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=HfYzlSNHapA

  • JayDee May 9, 2015 (12:16 pm)

    I decided not to go garage shopping today partly due to the traffic…its more than the normal zoo on the main drags. And enough of a pain that I will shop the Junction tomorrow instead.

  • HP Gal May 9, 2015 (12:38 pm)

    My 2 year old son and I had a blast on the Toy Saturday. Thanks WSB for sponsoring and bringing the community together. Today we scored the biggest dump truck ever and a fire truck. Sweet finds for a toddler :)

  • Alison May 9, 2015 (12:43 pm)

    Independent Consultant with Thirty-One Gifts. Stop by C & P Coffee and enter to win a $31 gift certificate!

  • ChefJoe May 9, 2015 (12:58 pm)

    C, you’ll be in a much stronger haggling position later in the day, with the SPU $30/item fee for what doesn’t fit in a resident’s garbage bin looming.

    Although, in this sale, they have pointed out alternative “after sale” collections.

  • flory May 9, 2015 (1:28 pm)

    I am in need of a queen size bed and a washer machine, due to space stacker washer and dryer preferable.

  • Jeff May 9, 2015 (3:06 pm)

    Sellers wanting 90% of retail, and buyers offering 10% of the write off value. Super.

  • AMD May 9, 2015 (3:12 pm)

    I found a practically new sofa, a ton of fabric and crafting supplies, and a pneumatic stapler, all for ~$80. This might be the best day of my life. Thank you guys, for selling me your stuff!

  • twobottles May 9, 2015 (3:39 pm)

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  • Lee May 9, 2015 (4:36 pm)

    I lied… We’ve knocked off for the day. Pooped! Keeping our free stuff out tonight. But another sale tomorrow if you want to come by. Great day! I also sold a puano to an old coworker who i got to catch uo with. Gave away a stuffed animal to a little boy who fell in love with it (turned out to belong to an old friend of my husbands) today… Yay WS. Thanks WSB for ciirdibating

  • miws May 9, 2015 (5:09 pm)

    I got my first ever digital camera, a Nikon Coolpix, for ten bucks at Sale #350 on Trenton, in Highland park!

    .

    Mike

  • Ladychacha May 9, 2015 (5:27 pm)

    What a great day and opportunity to be reminded how lucky we are to live in such a beautiful place with wonderful neighbors. Thanks to everyone putting out stuff and good juju today!

  • Marie Claire Leathers May 9, 2015 (5:43 pm)

    Hello
    I’m in need of a queen size headboard and a dresser drawer. Anyone who selling those 2 items, send me an email
    Thank you in advance.

  • yumpears May 9, 2015 (6:33 pm)

    I’m looking for the seller in the Hotwire courtyard who sold me a box of 17 wine/champagne glasses. You had allergies and lost your voice. I got home and went through the box and there were only 13 glasses. Do you still have the rest? You can contact me at mprodrig at comcast.net, Thanks

  • muchlove May 9, 2015 (9:28 pm)

    Annual regular – we hit all areas! This year many sales had 10 or less small items – mostly baby/toys. Shocked how bad we did! Normally do at least 1-2 carloads (NO furniture!)

    This year I spent $18 and barely filled a reusable bag! Suppose I saved several hundreds!

  • Bree May 10, 2015 (4:59 am)

    muchlove – we had furniture at our sale & sold all furniture but one antique/vintage wood chair. Thanks to everyone that came to our sale 277 with 24 tables and stuff everywhere. What a fun day & enjoyed meeting others. Thanks WSB for the event.

  • muchlove May 10, 2015 (9:58 am)

    Bree – was saying our car is usually packed – NOT with furniture.

  • Ken May 10, 2015 (10:46 am)

    What a great day of sales. Nice bargains and so many options of items available. Yes, driving was sometimes hectic. Yes, parking was sometimes a challenge. But certainly worth it.
    Six hours out of a year comprised of 8,760 hours is virtually nothing.
    .
    But there were almost too many sales going on at the same time. Impossible to get to all the ones on my list. In the future, it would be nice to see this split up into two days of sales. Maybe one day for sales north of Morgan and the other day for sales south of Morgan? It would benefit the sellers in that the buyer base wouldn’t be diluted by having too many folks selling on the same day. A lot of sellers were mentioning that buyer traffic was down this year compared to years past and most seemed to think it was due to oversupply of sellers.
    .
    Thanks for arranging this WSB!

  • Sellerbee May 10, 2015 (3:50 pm)

    We had hoards of people coming in large waves. We could barely keep up with so many people. We found that there were more people than in the other years. No complaints whatsoever as did very well. Thank you WSB. Poor blue truck today (5/10) having a hard time keeping up with all the donations. It was special to see some of the donators taking time to assist from the ground. Not a bad idea Ken!

  • CLL May 10, 2015 (9:56 pm)

    Our sale in Gatewood was very busy and successful! Aside from selling most of our furniture (muchlove we still have a dining set and secretary desk available), we met wonderful people from as far away as Centraila, Vancouver and, even a couple from Bath, England! Thanks to the WS Blog for all the hard work, organization and coverage of the event. PS — I agree with Ken and think it could be a two-day event since it’s getting so popular!

  • alkigirl May 11, 2015 (10:57 pm)

    Thanks WSB. I couldn’t participate real time, but really enjoyed this story and photos. An enormous labor of love for community. You are the best!

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