HANSVILLE — The event that’s been touted as the largest true rummage sale in Kitsap County will open its doors again this weekend.
This year’s Hansville Rummage Sale promises the same old fun it’s always had, with a few new perks that should make it even more of a shopper’s paradise. The sale will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 10 and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 11 at the Buck Lake Community Center.
Organizer George Briese said rummage sale enthusiasts usually find bargains a-plenty scouring the truckloads of items collected for the sale over the course of a year.
“It’s the surprises in the things you get,” Briese said of what makes the sale so much fun.
The majority of the event is a normal rummage sale, but about a dozen or so rare or large items will be part of a clipboard auction. Unlike the Bainbridge Island Rotary auction and sale — where residents sometimes donate new items — Briese pointed out that the Hansville gathering is all second-hand items.
But beware, the hard-core bargain-hunters usually start lining up at about 7 a.m. on Saturday for the 9 a.m. sale start. Even so, Briese said there is plenty of coffee and juice to keep the masses’ energy up until the official countdown.
“And when they drop that tape, boy, get out of their way,” Briese added with a chuckle.
Organizers have marked a one-way road into the sale and parking areas and a one-way road out, which they hope will keep traffic moving more smoothly this year — especially in areas where people are loading large items into vehicles. More cashiers have also been added, including “express” lanes for people with small numbers of items.
The Hansville Rummage Sale has been a community institution since 1979 and although its size and scope have changed, it’s spirit has not. All of the proceeds from the mammoth fund raiser go back into the community in the form of scholarships (Eight were given this year in amounts between $500 and $1,500), Easter, Christmas and summer parties for local families and upkeep of the community center.
“So every penny spent on bargains adds up to a big contribution to the community,” said organizer Shirlee Jelcick.
And local residents get right into the thick of making the sale happen by donating items and their time. Briese said it’s these volunteers that make it possible, but also that their enthusiasm makes it an enjoyable time.
“Some work four hours and some work 40 hours but last year we had 180 volunteers and for a community of only about 1,200 or 1,300 people, that’s pretty good,” Briese said.
