Citywide yard sale draws in large crowds to Caribou

11 months ago

CARIBOU, Maine — Visitors to Caribou had plenty of chances to seek out unique bargains during the annual citywide yard sale.

More than 100 residents and businesses took part throughout the weekend. Even the quietest neighborhood streets soon filled with traffic, as people traced their routes from maps provided by Caribou Parks & Recreation.

On Garden Circle, first-time yard sale host Sylvia Theriault used the three-day event to sell Christmas decorations, lawn and garden equipment, books and even a pair of antique wooden snowshoes.

Despite looming clouds and chilly morning weather, Theriault saw a steady stream of people throughout Saturday morning.

“I had a lot of things I was hoping to sell,” Theriault said. “We had probably 50 people yesterday and a lot are coming today.”

Lily Keiling of Ashland looks at art supplies while her grandmother Lisha Wasson of Caribou (right) pays Natasha Bishop at Bishop’s yard sale in Caribou. (Melissa Lizotte | Aroostook Republican)

Inside Theriault’s garage, Kathy and James McDonald of Caribou picked up several items, including decorative Christmas plates.

“We’ve gone to seven [yard sales] so far and will go to a few more on the other side of town,” Kathy McDonald said. “It’s fun seeing what everyone has.”

Just down the street, Natasha Bishop was busy selling adult and children’s clothes, toys and household items. Bishop holds a yard sale during every citywide event and enjoys seeing people find good deals.

That happened when Lisha Wasson of Caribou and her granddaughter, Lily Keiling of Ashland, found arts and craft supplies.

“We come every year,” Wasson said. “We enjoy just getting out and finding good things to buy.”

This year, 105 people registered to be listed on the yard sale map, far surpassing last year’s total of more than 70 participants, said Parks & Recreation Superintendent Gary Marquis.

“It looked like everyone was enjoying the weekend,” Marquis said.