Irwin Avenue Yard Sales – 32 Years of Fun

Written by John Face
Photo by John Face
July 26, 2023

Thirty-two years and Karen Yankie has been there since the start. That is how long the annual yard sale has happened here in Albion on Irwin Ave. On August 11, 1990, Karen along with Willie Culp started what has become one of the premiere neighborhood events in Albion. The ladies, who were long-time friends, decided to do the event, not thinking it would last as long as it has. Karen continues to lead the group today, and a cast of neighbors supports her. I sat with her, Glenda Culp, and Patti Hiatt as they shared information about the event with me as we sipped on our drinks at the Foundry Bakehouse in downtown Albion.

They explained how they work with each other and their block captains. These individuals are responsible for their block, and they recruit neighbors to participate and spread the word. Karen said they are a good group. Kevin Markovich is one of the current captains and has been there since day one. Kevin is joined by Betty Chapman, Margaret Generi, Glenda, Patti, and Karen.

They spoke of old sales, especially when they first started when the streets were so full of cars the police had to come and help with the traffic. They last saw turn-outs such as that several years ago, but if the weather is good, they do expect excellent turn-outs.

Speaking of traffic reminded Karen to ask me to get the word out. Please don’t park on the south side of the street. The street is marked with no parking signs, and when people park on both sides, it does cause traffic snarls. As always, Karen told me she notified the city police and administration that they would hold the sale again to give them a heads-up.

They ask residents who want to participate in the event to contact Karen at 517-629-5913. There isn’t a charge, but they do ask for donations. Karen shared that all the advertising for this event takes money. Beyond the advertising, she said they ask sellers to list the top 5 items they are trying to sell. Karen said Albion E-NEWS will post this list before the sale. I also told her I would if she shared those items with City Watch.

I asked the ladies if they wanted to share other information or stories. Glenda said that when she started doing this, her attitude was, “UGH.” Now, she finds herself getting ready for the sale long before. All three stated that they were excited about this year. Though, as they all agreed, “yard sailing” is nowhere near as popular as it was 32 years ago.

Our numbers are down as many neighbors say they don’t have stuff to sell. Karen said she encourages these people to share their yards and have friends and family sell instead and getting them registered. She said they now have event signs that are placed in the yards of those who are part of the sale. Glenda is going to create an event on Facebook as another way to spread the word.

I do want to share the swimsuit story Karen told me. Karen spoke of when she and her husband Terry was on vacation in Acapulco years ago. She came across this little shop and ended up having them make her a swimsuit. Glenda chimed in that it was a bikini. Karen didn’t like it, so she started selling it at the yardsale, and every year, year after year, it went unsold. She said it became a family joke on how I couldn’t sell it. The ladies joked about getting a manikin to put the bikini on to try and sell it. After a hearty laugh from the ladies, Karen said she wasn’t sure if she would be trying to sell it this year, but——–

If you are interested in selling, contact Karen so they can get you registered by Friday.

32nd Irwin Avenue Yard Sales
Saturday, August 12, 2023
9:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M.
Always the second Saturday of August.

Make sure you venture on Irwin from Superior all the way to the catholic church; you don’t want to miss out on neat deals.