Warrensburg garage sale tradition continues as residents fill their yards with bargains

Earlier this year, the Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce announced that, out of safety concerns, they have canceled the 2020 World’s Largest Garage Sale scheduled for Oct. 3-4. The Chamber has been sponsoring the sale since 1980. The size of the event grows each year and attracts vendors and shoppers from all over the Northeast to this small Adirondack hamlet on the Schroon River.

Although the cancelation means the Chamber will not be providing shuttle buses, portable toilets and other amenities, and the Town of Warrensburg is not issuing permits for out-of-town vendors, residents are still free to set up sales at their homes. Many are doing just that.

Terry Ross is getting a head start on the weekend by opening her garage sale on Thursday, and even though it is a weekday, she says business has been brisk. Her 8 Hackensack Avenue yard is filled with tables and tents displaying a wide assortment of used goods —tools, electronics, housewares and clothing. “My sister and I buy and sell storage units,” Ross says, to explain the size and diversity of her offerings.

The Chamber has created a Facebook group, World’s Largest Garage Sales – Residential Sales ONLY, and residents who are holding sales Oct 1-4 are posting their addresses and details of their sale. People holding sales must adhere to Warren County Department of Health guidelines — sellers and shoppers must wear masks, sellers should provide hand sanitizer and regularly sanitize frequently touched surfaces; sales tables should be spaced to allow for social distancing and goods on display should be cleaned and sanitized.

Saint Cecilia’s Church, located at 3802 Main Street (across from Cumberland Farms), will have their annual Fall Garage Sale in the Church Hall and on the lawn Oct. 2-3, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Oct. 4, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Volunteers will staff the Church Hall, and those entering will need to wear masks and social distance whenever possible. A hand sanitizing station will also be provided.  Proceeds from the Saint Cecilia’s Fall Garage Sale will help fund community programs offered by the church.

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