The Glebe was packed with people on May 23—senior citizens, children, couples, and families all enjoying the vast amount of junk on display at the Great Glebe Garage Sale.
Other than the stuff being displayed and sold, a wide variety of food vendors were there. Street performers were also in attendance, despite the rain.
The wares being sold ranged from books, CDs, clothes, and other everyday items to more valuable things, including a piece of luggage dating back decades, which the previous owners had used to come to Canada.
A vendor named Mike was selling a framed canvas painting of an 18th century English gentleman, which he said he purchased at an estate sale in Morrisburg, Ont.
When asked why this piece of history was on sale, he shrugged and said, “The third and fourth generation don’t really care anymore.”
Mike said he moved to Ottawa 10 years ago from Vancouver. By day, Mike is a government employee, but at a garage sale, he’s a well-mannered barterer.
Mike said he does this on weekends at nostalgia and antique shows. When asked what he thinks brings people to the Glebe Garage Sale, he said, “People . . . want something that costs 10 bucks for 10 cents.”
Craig Lord, a Carleton journalism student, enjoyed the great energy of the event and stresses the benefit of garage sales to students.
“As a student, you’re used to paying $100 for a book and at a garage sale you can get one for a dollar,” he said. “Students need to get out there.”
“Families or seniors who are not in need of their stuff sell it off cheaply to needy students.”
Through the day, Mike the vendor said he also became a buyer.
“I always like to find the perfect treasure,” he said.
Included in Mike’s collection to be sold was an empty Fanta soda can, possibly dating back to the 70s.
“One man’s garbage is another man’s treasure,” Mike said.
