US-12 Garage Sale celebrates 10 years

Published 3:15 pm Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Edwardsburg and the surrounding area were a hot spot during the 10th annual US-12 Garage Sale. Michigan’s Largest Garage Sale brought people from as far away as California and Florida. (Leader photo/RACHEL BREDEN)

Edwardsburg and the surrounding area were a hot spot during the 10th annual US-12 Garage Sale. Michigan’s Largest Garage Sale brought people from as far away as California and Florida. (Leader photo/RACHEL BREDEN)

From church pews and antique pressure cookers to coffins, lemonade, and baby clothes—many items were for sale this weekend during the US-12 Garage Sale.

The sale, now in its 10th year, stretches along US-12 from New Buffalo to Detroit.

Michigan’s Largest Garage Sale brought in visitors from Chicago, Minnesota, California, and Florida.

Linda Frank, of Five Points Road, has had garage sales at her home off US-12 for the last 15 years, but profits the most from the statewide event. This year her whole family was involved.

“We’ve got all our family involved, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren,” Frank said. “It’s a whole lot of fun. It’s an attraction for anyone, raising children or collecting antiques.”

Nancy DeVoe, of Christiana Lake Road, had her first garage sale during the event this year, but she says she will definitely do it again.

“We’ve done a lot better [compared to previous years,” she said. “Traffic is a lot better. The map has helped. Several people have mentioned the map.”

Lisa Makowski, another first time participant, agrees that posting her address to the map available on the US 12 Heritage Trail website has increased customers.

“It’s free advertizing,” she said. “It’s been a really great experience. I’ve gotten rid of so much stuff.”

The Edwardsburg Historical Museum had a garage sale of its own and also rented space out to others who do not live on US 12.

JoAnn Beopple, President of the Historical Society, said all money from the sale and from the renters goes to support the museum.

“We do this as a fundraiser because we don’t have any government support,” Beopple said. “People donate stuff throughout the year and we put it in a shed and then when it comes time for the garage sale we go through it all and sell it here.”

Beopple encouraged everyone to go out and hunt for treasures.

“We’ve got things that we don’t know what they are, but they’re cheap!”

Beopple said they have not had as many customers this weekend as previous years, citing the increasing number of sales as the reason.

“More people who live off of 12 are having sales. There are only so many customers so we are spreading them thinner,” she said, though she did say this year has been better than last year.  “Last year it rained so it was not very productive, but this weekend has been great.”