Shoppers find crowds, deals at area sale day

By STEVE NEWMAN

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Ironwood — A sunny Saturday was the backdrop for crowds of people to go to citywide rummage sales. Since both Hurley and Ironwood declared Saturday their citywide rummage sale days the same day, crowds of bargain hunters scoured the two towns in search of deals. On Lowell Street in Ironwood, shoppers bustled in and out of the yard and driveway of the Hill family. “We’re on the main road,” said Kerry Hill of Ironwood, who stated that they plan to hold a sale this particular weekend every year. “Traffic has been good this year, always is on sale weekend,” she said. She believes her sale’s appeal has to do with price. “90% of our items sell for a dollar or less,” she said. Her dog, Charlie has been part of their sales “since he was a pup,” according to Hill, and his friendliness helps those who come by enjoy the sale.

On Michigan Avenue in Ironwood, Emmi and Karl Gregas, along with Judi and Jerry Yachak were hosting a sale, and the proceeds of their sale were to be donated to the Iron Belle Trail. Emmi Gregas said the traffic was “wonderful” and that she was enjoying all the “sweet stories of things that find their person” as a result of their sale. “I just love the community spirit. This is a good event. Our tradition here is working class, but all these people working together to make these good things happen,” she said.

In Hurley, seekers for items flowed in and out of a sale on Poplar Street. According to resident Tami Moore, things were really busy. “People were already here at 7 this morning wanting to come in,” she said. Besides pricing to sell, one of the keys for their success was the collection of fishing poles, gas cans and other men’s items at the sale. She thought a second round of citywide sales in August would be a good idea for the things that don’t sell during this sale day.

Buyers also shopped hard and did well for themselves. Annette and Robert Trail, and Theresa Miller came from Ontonagon for the day and had been at an estimated 25 sales by the time they stopped at a sale on Pewabic Street in Ironwood. They filled the bed and extended cab of their truck with items to take back. Their purpose was to shop so they could give for Ontonagon’s annual Hometown Christmas held in December.