Felicia Martin of Merrillville was on a mission when she attended the 10th annual Indoor Garage Sale recently at the Jean Shepherd Center in Hammond.
“I came here last year and realized I should have bought my gifts-to-buy list, so I have it with me today,” Martin said, as she began to browse the tables. “There are a lot of brand new items here, along with the used. It’s like a treasure hunt.”
The popular yearly event took place on a recent Saturday that experienced a range of bad weather.
“It was snowing lightly when we first came here,” said Lynda Parsons of Hammond, who spent more than three hours at the event. “Then, a while later when I took some of my buys to the car, it was raining. I’m back shopping now and someone said it was hailing outside. How crazy is that? I’m happy to be inside.”
Sponsored by the Hammond Parks & Recreation Department, the sale included more than 120 tables manned by individuals, companies and organizations. By the end of the event, almost 2,000 visitors had passed through.
Offerings ranged from stuffed animals and sports memorabilia to crystal serving pieces and brand new Halloween costumes, with much in between. Information from various service organizations also was available.
“I always enjoy traveling to garage sales in different neighborhoods,” said Prentiss Taylor, of Hammond, as he looked over an apparatus to test blood pressure. “You never, ever, know what you can find. I once picked up an old bowling ball and later found out it belonged to a local bowler who won many tournaments. Might bring me some luck.”
Vendor Julie Macewicz, of Hammond, brought samples from her home-based business, Julies Soap Box.
“This type of event gives people the opportunity to see what’s in their own back yard,” she said, as she stacked pamphlets on her table. “For businesses such as mine, this is a godsend.”
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Church of Christ member Danielle Lopez discussed programs available at her church. She also brought her three children — Nora, 2, Bruce, 4, and Xander, 7, who stayed busy at a small table of their own. “As soon as I get a break, I’m taking the kids and we’ll be doing some shopping of our own,” she said.
And for those wanting to continue looking for deals without leaving the building for lunch, the parks department sold hot dogs and chips.
For dessert, slices of Red Velvet cake and various muffins, as well as other pastry selections, were sold by Weekend Bakers, one of the vendors.
The Garza family of Gary found enough bargains for three trips to the car.
“I’ve never seen the kids so happy, everyone is finding something they like,” Helio Garza said of his six children. “As the dad, I’m happy to see them stretching their money, it’s a good lesson to learn.”
Sue Ellen Ross is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.