Mother of all yard sales begins next Saturday

Yard sale aficionados, grab your fanny packs. Next Saturday's going to be a big one.

The Forgotten Coast Community Yard Sale, launched last year in Apalachicola, expands this year to include communities along U.S. 98 and the Big Bend Scenic Byway.

Merchants, civic groups and individuals will be peddling their wares in Apalachicola, Carrabelle, Panacea, St. George Island, Port St. Joe and Mexico Beach on Saturday, Oct. 3, beginning at 8 a.m.

"We are working in cooperation with the Apalachicola Chamber of Commerce and Mexico Beach Tourist Development Council in order to promote this," said Gulf County Chamber of Commerce executive director Sandra Chafin.

"It's a great way to clean out some old stuff, get some new stuff and promote good community spirit."

The Gulf County Chamber is encouraging individuals to set up tables along Reid or Williams Avenues.

Spaces can be reserved for $10 for individuals. There is no charge for Chamber members, non-profit organizations or downtown merchants.

Signs posted along Hwy. 98 will direct foot traffic to the sale.

Those who prefer to set up shop outside their homes may do so as well.

Business owners along Reid are hoping to take advantage of the increased traffic downtown.

Erika Norton of Persnickety has been slashing prices for sidewalk sales at the shop's two locations, on Reid Avenue and downtown Apalachicola.

 "We have one big nice rack of sale stuff in the back and I'd love to get rid of it," said Norton, adding that shoppers can expect an additional 10-15 percent markdown on sale items previously reduced by 60-75 percent.

For Norton, the yard sale is a nice way to generate business in the off-season, when tourists have returned home and businesses rely more on local shoppers.

"We're hoping we can start promoting our downtown shopping through the fall and winter," she said.

The Chamber's motto has always been "shop locally." Chafin believes the Community Yard Sale will open visitor's eyes to the area's offerings.

"Instead of going to the mall, come downtown," said Chafin. "I think people would be flabbergasted to see what our merchants have."