Hundreds of bargain hunters converged on Hammond’s Jean Shepherd Center in April for the semi-annual Indoor Garage Sale.
“We’ve had cabin fever for quite a while, so this event is just what our family needed,” said Kari Lincoln of Hammond, with a laugh. “We came early, and we’ll stay late.’
Items ranged from bar stools and table lamps to homemade soaps and clothing, with much in between. Sponsored by the Hammond Parks and Recreation Department, the event has grown in both vendor and attendees. This year’s vendor list numbered 120 individuals, companies and organizations.
“Everyone benefits here,” said Dave Madison of Hammond, as he talked with customers interested in his antique items. “I cleaned out my basement and garage, so I have more room for my woodworking hobby. And for those buying things, they’re getting good deals.”
This was the first time Brenda Parker of Paparazzi Jewelry set up shop at the Indoor Garage Sale.
“This is such a fun atmosphere, very relaxed,” she said, as she spread out her colorful inventory on a long table. “Not many communities have an indoor sale like this. It’s a great idea, getting local people together and it gives the vendors a chance to network.”
Matias Torres, 7, of Lansing, Ill., found the sale a great place to develop his multi-tasking skills.
‘I’m helping my mom at her table and I’m selling some of my old toys,” he said. “But I’m also shopping for myself too.”
For those needing a break from digging for deals, the Parks Department offered hot dogs and other refreshments.
“It’s always a good idea to have food around when I take my family out shopping,” said Patrice Harris of Merrillville. “The kids usually take snacks, but it’s good to know they have drinks and other things here too.”
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Her son Jeremy, 6, spotted the rows of chips set up on the refreshment table and echoes his mom’s thoughts, adding, “I have my own money to spend, so I’m coming back here before we leave.”
The gymnasium was filled to capacity, with many visitors trying to take it all in.
Clarice Montgomery of Gary arrived with a list of things she was hoping to find.
“I come from a big family and it’s always someone’s birthday,” she said. “I’m always lucky at these kind of sales, I usually find new items for great prices.”
The Hammond Parks and Recreation Department offers two Indoor Garage Sale events at Jean Shepherd Center each year. For more information, call (219) 554-0155.
Sue Ellen Ross is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.