Residents Report Steady Traffic on First Day of City Wide Garage Sale

Sunny skies and high resident participation brought shoppers out in droves Friday for the . Homeowners in almost every Clawson neighborhood had items sitting in front of their homes for garage sales.

This is the first time the city invited the entire community to have garage sales on the same weekend. Resident Kim Reid said the idea is a great way to bring shoppers to Clawson.

"If it wasn't citywide, we probably wouldn't get as much traffic," said Reid, who had a garage sale at 941 Goodale on Friday. "It's been nonstop."

Reid was selling a variety of items including women's clothing, books, sports equipment, tripods and shoes. She said they plan to have the garage sale through Sunday. 

Some of the Reid family's unwanted items were treasures to George Paparisto and his son Mark. George Paparisto purchased skateboarding equipment for his son.

"It's like a little mall," George Paparisto said of the citywide event.

Mark and Diane McQueen, at 508 Wilson, said a citywide garage sale was long overdue. The couple had a lot of furniture and antique items for sale, much of which they accumulated in their 21 years at their Clawson residence. Diane McQueen said many customers came in the morning between 9-10. Items for sale ranged in price from $2 all the way up to $200 for a cabin-style bed. 

"It's about time because everyone else is doing (citywide garage sales)," Mark McQueen said. "It's a great way to get to know the neighbors." The McQueens will have their garage sale Friday and Saturday.

Used kids clothing and toys were also a popular item sold at garage sales.

The Perry family, at 1419 Kenilworth, had everything from baby strollers to bumblebee Halloween costumers.

Thomas Perry said it was time to clean out the storage and the citywide event presented the perfect opportunity.  

"It's awesome," Perry said. "You get that traffic that normally wouldn't come. We've had a lot of traffic today."

However, Friday's garage sale turnout was lower than expected for some. Caroline Dylewski, of 826 Grant, said business was slow at her house. She said next year she hopes the city will offer a list of addresses for residents participating. 

The Dylewskis had a lot of kitchen items, candle holders, dining glasses and crafting supplies. Dylewski said many of the items belonged to her mother-in-law who recently moved to Clawson from up north.

"I like the idea," Dylewski said of the City Wide Garage Sale.

The City Wide Garage Sale continues Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m.-6 p.m.