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Sanders County is having its annual yard sale event on Friday and Saturday, June 23 and 24. Over 60 participants have signed up to have their sales on the list this year. The list of sales can be found in this week’s Valley Press and Ledger or on the Thompson Falls Chamber of Commerce website. Sales will be going on across the county from Hot Springs and Dixon to Noxon and Heron. They will encompass 130 miles. For yard sale enthusiasts, there will be plenty to attend.

This will be the second year that the chamber has been in charge. Since the passing of Robin Hagedorn, in December of 2021, Annie Wooden decided to keep the event going. Hagedorn started this county wide event in 2006.

“Robin was so involved in the community. She was instrumental in other annual events such as Christmas On Main Street,” Wooden said. Because the yard sales are spread out, people from out-lying areas come into the county. “It’s a great boost for the economy.” added Wooden. “Everybody gets excited. I always meet new people who are visiting here.” People who have heard about this come from out of state, according to Wooden.

There is an interactive map available on the chamber’s website along with the list of addresses. In 2021, after COVID, there were 86 participants. This year the numbers are lower, but over 25 of the sales scheduled are in Thompson Falls and Plains. All monies collected are put back into the marketing fund. Advertising is widespread and bright yellow signs at the individual sales sites are easily seen. This year’s sponsors are: Sanders County Ledger, Harlow Ranch, Clark Fork Valley Hospital, Clearwater Properties and Clark Fork Valley Press.

With all the yard sales going on there are bound to be leftovers. Items that the owners do not want to pack up and take back in the house. What to do with them? The local second-hand stores receive donations regularly from people after their garage sales. But, after a large event such as this, it could be overwhelming for said stores to handle the excess. There could be an opportunity during the sales to offer free items to help reduce those leftovers. And any items that are still usable, in good shape, or gently worn, would be better appreciated at the stores.