Early shoppers pack St. Mary for annual rummage sale deals

One of the early entrants walked into Father Edward Pickering Hall, took a look, and whispered, “This is crazy.”

From wall to wall, and even beyond into the back lot, patrons wove among the laden tables of donated goods for St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church’s legendary annual rummage sale. The sale took place over Friday and Saturday, with the aim of raising as much funding as possible for community organizations.

Eager shoppers lined up as early as 8 a.m., three hours before doors opened, to be the first to search through the rows, according to volunteer Lyn Kennelly. As in previous years, the line of waiting shoppers curled around the hall as the early birds hoped to score the best finds on the Friday morning pre-sale, which had a $5 entrance fee.

It was quite the undertaking to keep the tide of incoming shoppers flowing. Corralling the masses was “Sheriff of Rummage” Ginny Akhoury, who commanded the microphone, wishing everyone luck in finding their treasures and reminding them to be on their best behavior.

Akhoury chaired the record-breaking sale two years ago, and the torch passed to co-chairs Julia Graziano and Barb Puchta this year. Graziano said she was delighted to see the community show up in full force for the sale this year.

One particular trio of shoppers — Pauline Kingsbury, Barbara Zaccone and Donna Gannon — has made attending the sale an annual tradition for the past five years. The three ladies show up early, dive into the sale, reconvene every hour on the hour, then enjoy happy hour afterward to go over their finds.

Kingsbury, who splits her year between Longboat Key and England, said she appreciates both the deals and the special time spent with friends. She was especially glad to score a few skirts for pickleball.

Terri Leonard, who was in charge of managing the arts and collectables section, said goods were flying off the shelves just as quickly as volunteers could restock them.

“People have purchased crystal vases, different pieces of unique silverware, music boxes, religious items and art in various styles,” she said.

She said many shoppers have been searching post-hurricane to refill their homes with art and decor that exemplifies their taste, making it feel like home again.

All they’re looking for is “something that makes them smile.”

Of course, plenty of shoppers have an eye out for valuable collectables as well, like the Waterford crystal vase Leonard said was quick to get picked up.

Past the art section, shoppers made their way to larger items including furniture, golf clubs, electronics and other uncommon items like a Celestron Nexstar 130slt telescope and a full-size pool table.

Shoppers moved plenty of merchandise, but any unclaimed items are being donated to area organizations.