St. Peter Barn Sale helps stretch budgets
The St. Peter Catholic Church Barn Sale Saturday and Sunday turns many people's junk into many other people's treasure.
Especially in these tougher economic times.
Last year, shoppers at the toy area told volunteers "without the Barn Sale, my kids would not have Christmas," said Sue Jaeger, co-chairman of last year's sale, who is in charge of the clothing area this year.
"We're going to have individuals probably in greater need," she said.
Think of it as a garage sale on steroids, with more than 90,000 square feet of furniture, tools, clothing, household goods, electronics and more. Jaeger said volunteers believe it is the biggest rummage sale in the state.
The sale, which the Geneva church runs to help pay down its debt, is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday at the Kane County Fairgrounds, Randall Road and Route 38. The entrance is on the north side of Route 38, about 300 yards west of Randall. The parking lot opens at 5 a.m. and the gates open at 7 a.m., but shopping starts at 9 a.m.
Admission is free.
You can fuel up for bargain-hunting with breakfast at 7 a.m. both days.
And if you need replenishment, there's the new "Taste of Geneva," with restaurants and vendors including Gen Hoe, Aurelio's Pizza, Little Owl, Tia Maria's and the Knights of Columbus selling wares. Nothing is brought back to the warehouse, Jaeger said.
The sale starts discounting items on Sunday, to move them out.
"Our goal is to leave the fairgrounds with no garbage or leftover items. Everything must go."
<p class="factboxheadblack">If you go</p> <p class="News"><b>What:</b> St. Peter Barn Sale</p> <p class="News"><b>When:</b> Shopping is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Parking lot opens at 5 a.m. and gates open at 7 a.m.</p> <p class="News"><b>Where:</b> Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles</p> <p class="News"><b>Food:</b> Breakfast will be served at 7 a.m. both days, and the Taste of Geneva will offer food for purchase during sale hours.</p> <p class="News"><b>Admission:</b> Free</p> <p class="News"><b>Info:</b> <a href="http://stpeterbarnsale.com" target="new">stpeterbarnsale.com</a> or (630) 845-0273</p>