For those who have been waiting, the official date for Bridgeport’s annual Citywide Yard Sale has been announced. Community Development Director Andrea Kerr said the event will take place Saturday, August 1, which falls in line with holding the event the same time for the past several years.
“It is the first Saturday in August, and we’ve been trying to stick to that,” said Kerr.
Kerr knew it was time to get the word out to the public and started the process of planning for the annual event. The reason she knew it was time was simple.
“I got my first email recently and we’ve started receiving phone calls, so I know people are wanting to plan for it,” said Kerr.
The “official” time for the city sale is from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. As Kerr noted, many residents start earlier and remain open longer than that period. She also said many residents opt to make it a two-day event, which is something the city has no control over.
“They can be open on Saturday, or the day before, as long they want,” said Kerr. “Our experience shows the times generally fluctuate by household, but several will be open for at least the city observed time. The residents can customize their sales as they believe is best.”
The city’s actual involvement is limited, but it is an important part of the event for those seeking out deals and looking to plan the best way to hit as many homes as possible. Bridgeport allows residents to register their homes for a city distribution list.
“Individuals can go ahead and email me their address, which is really all we need,” said Kerr. “Homes can advertise any way they see fit, including by registering with us, going on Facebook, signs, online, or in newspapers.”
To get on the city list, individuals need to email Kerr at akerr@bridgeportwv.gov. Kerr takes all the addresses submitted and then puts them on a city map that is distributed to the public.
Individuals can submit their address to Kerr through July 24. After that, the addresses will be put on the map, printed, and placed at various city venues for pickup – such as the municipal complex, public library, the Benedum Civic Center, and others. Connect-Bridgeport will announce when the maps are available.
The registration works. Kerr said last year, more than 125 households registered, and there were many others taking part that did not.
Kerr said she will once again collaborate with Police Chief Mark Rogers, who gets with his staff and Kerr to make sure there will be extra police patrolling the neighborhoods the day of the yard sale.
“This has become a really big event, and some of the homes sign up year after year. We also understand this event isn’t for everyone because some people love it and some people hate it,” said Kerr. “The impact it has in helping residents get rid of unwanted items and raise money along with adding business to the community, is substantial.”