More than 100 homes participated in the annual event. (PhotoS by Alexis Orlacchio.)
By ALEXIS ORLACCHIO
Shoppers searched the yards of their neighborÂ’s collectible-littered lawns in pursuit of their perfect possessions Saturday during the sixth annual Red Bank Townwide Yard Sale.
“It is a beautiful day, and people love a good bargain,” said Friends of the Red Bank Public Library President Beth Hanratty.
“We always seem to get a crowd” for the six-hour event, which took place on lawns and in garages throughout the borough, said Hanratty. “Red Bank has so many residents who participate in community events – this just another example.”
More than 100 of them, ranging from veteran vendors to novices, registered as sellers for the sale, including Janet Moss.
“We live for this day. We really do,” said the Irving Place resident, who with her husband, George, has been participating in the sale for years, though this year’s was the smallest she had ever held.
“It’s fun. I’ve been in them in the rain, in days like this where you enjoy sitting out,” said Moss. “You get to meet your neighbors and have a sense of community.”
Hanratty said the sale “benefits all who participate.” Maps and pink balloons were provided by the Red Bank Public Library to mark the participating households. Hunters could also pick up a brochure, which listed the addresses of the vendors and the items they could find on their lawn.
Proceeds from registration fees will help fund the Friends group, which in the past has aided the library with hefty purchases, such as the illuminated marquee in front of the West Front Street.
“It’s just fun,” said Carmelina Macherson, of South Street. “I have the same customers every year and they always come back.”
MacPherson said she always has giveaways, which this year included a box of free CDs with songs written by her husband, Jeff.
She said this yard sale is like a family reunion. “My neighbors and family come over,” she said. “Some years we dress up and we do it. I make the kids get involved and sell their own stuff. We love it.”
“I believe in community and the Red Bank Library, and this benefits both,” said Hanratty. The Friends of the Red Bank Library also hold other annual fundraising events, such as a book sale. “We are always looking for people who love the library and want to volunteer,” said Hanratty.
