Youbou homeowners will be purging some of their possessions and parking them on the pavement for the annual Youbou Garage Sale, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on May 24.
"We love the spirit of neighbourliness that threads throughout the community that day," said Youbou Community Association's Julia Martinusen. "In addition to looking for bargains, it’s a great day to meet the neighbours and put a place to a familiar face."
This annual day of community-wide deals has been going on for at least 10 years with a short hiatus during the pandemic where Youbou homeowners are invited to plan their own garage sale on their property that day. Martineau said Youbou Community Church is also joining in with their own sale on the day, collecting items from homeowners who don’t have enough treasures to have their own individual sale. Martinusen said typically more than 20 homes participate and will have balloons as a marker.
"It was started as an inspiration by a couple who have since moved away, so the Youbou Community Association helps to organize it now," said Martinusen. "The thinking is that garage sale shoppers are more likely to come to visit if there are multiple sales to see, rather than just one or two."
Each home pins their address to an interactive map which can be found on the Youbou Community Association website, so bargain hunters can easily find them, and the gently used goods they are slinging ranging from tools to fishing gear, sport gear to dishes, and much more.
The event will take place rain or shine, and all visitors form surrounding towns and communities in the valley are invited to discover the treasure that is Youbou including its scenery and an elk sighting or two.
Adam Khomsi is thrilled to be celebrating his second year as chair for the event.
"Besides finding that perfect something, we hope community members and visitors have a genuine Youbou experience," said Martinusen. "See the lake, maybe an elk, and even stop at the local pub or coffee shop for lunch.
"It's wonderful to see the Youbou Garage Sale bring our neighbours together, as we welcome visitors to our town," said Khomsi. "That spirit of connection and openness truly embodies Youbou at its best, and it's what makes this event so special to me."
