Deals abound at yard sale
A faux Christmas tree towered above Virginia Rowell's head Saturday and she decided she just had to have it.
"I live in a log house, with a cathedral ceiling," she said, explaining that the tall pine would have plenty of airspace. And the price couldn't be more right: $10.
"It just needs a little fluffing," said Rowell.
Her find was one of several artificial trees on a small tree lot at the Great American Yard Sale, a giant garage sale that continues from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today in the parking lot at the Westfield Fox Valley Mall in Aurora.
The sale, an annual event marking its 20th year, is a fundraiser for several charities that help homeless and otherwise disadvantaged people. Run by husband-and-wife team Rudy and Bette Krueger of Krueger Realtors, it's also a dream come true for bargain hunters.
"I've been to the sale ever since they started here many years ago," said Rowell, who lives in Argyle, Wisc.
The Kruegers collect donations, sell the items and then give the proceeds to organizations such as DuPage PADS, Senior Home Sharing and the Loaves and Fishes Community Pantry.
Bette Krueger cruised the sprawling sale site seated aboard a golf cart. "Last year, we got rained out. We still did well," she said.
She estimated that about 1,000 shoppers were waiting for the gates to open at 9 a.m. Saturday. Some arrived as early as 2 a.m., she said.
Until last year, the sale was held at several sites in Naperville, on the other side of Route 59. "This location is really good; it's great exposure," Krueger said. Triumphant shoppers purposefully hauled boogie boards, ficus trees, wheeled luggage, oriental rugs and microwave ovens from the sale's white tents to their cars.
Tamara Shaw of Batavia looked over the dwindling supply of bicycles. It was only a few hours into the sale and most of the 150 donated bikes had been snatched up.
"I like this one," said her 7-year-old daughter, Elisa, pointing to a lavender and white number with tassels on the handlebars, teddy bear decals on the frame and a banana seat.
Volunteer Tom Mettner of Lisle patiently adjusted the seat's height for her. Mettner said he and another volunteer began preparing the bicycle department for the sale last weekend.
"We spent all week out here, fixing," he said, smiling, as Elisa climbed aboard and rode off.