Get ready second-hand treasure hunters, Oak Bay-wide garage sale returns

by admin June 25, 2023

Time to clear out the attic, Oak Bay’s community-wide garage sale is back.

Last held in 2019 and pushed from its usual June dates, Garagellenium returns July 22.

“There’s obviously a really big appetite,” said organizer Cassie Kangas, noting people start seeking information as early as January.

The garage sale sees households across the community set out wares for a few hours as others tour Oak Bay in search of second-hand treasures.

“We’re obviously encouraging anyone to have a sale in their home or space … if people want to get together and do one for charity, we’re always happy to have those,” Kangas said.

Those supporting a charity of their choice get a special mark on the map of registered sales that appears online and in the Oak Bay News on July 20 to make things easier on shoppers.

Those looking to get on the map must register for Garagellenium by July 12. Those who register afterward won’t appear in the Oak Bay News listing.

“Once people are registered for the sale, we can’t remove them from the list,” Kangas noted.

Similarly, folks are open to hosting a sale for as long they like, but the Garagellenium official time is advertised from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“Please don’t be an early bird and show up at someone’s house at 7 a.m.,” Kangas said.

Sponsor Engel and Volkers adds a little break to the day for buyers this year, or sellers if they make the trip in to the village. During the sale they offer free coffee, lemonade and cookies outside the office at 2249 Oak Bay Ave.

“It’s hot, hard work and you need some sugar doing garage sale shopping,” Kangas said. The agency also offers registered participants garage sale kits with signs and other sale swag from July 17 and 21, available at the office while supplies last.

Find tips for buyers and sellers online at oakbaygaragesale.com where registration opens July 3.