Hundreds of Innisfil residents and out-of-towners took part in 'Innisfil's Biggest Garage Sale' on Saturday, spearheaded by local ladies, Ashley Newman and Jacquie Raaphorst.
Raaphorst came up with the idea in the spring after going through her late mother's belongings that have been taking up space in her home. She thought it would be fun to get neighbours involved in a town-wide garage sale and pitched her idea on a local community Facebook page.
Newman was immediately interested after reading Raaphorst's post and the pair started a Facebook page for those interested in taking part.
What started with a couple hundred group members, grew to over 1,000 over the past month.
Raaphorst had an online map created with just over 200 addresses participating to make it easier for deal-hunters to navigate their way through the event.
"I had a good inkling it was going to be pretty big," said Raaphorst.
The Weston family who moved to Innisfil from the U.K. just five years ago were happy to finally be able to purge and get rid of some of their unwanted belongings.
"I think it's (the event) been such a huge success and will only get bigger," said homeowner, Karli Weston.
Manny Cordeiro, his wife Bev, and their daughter Lily were up early setting up their sale, putting on price tags, and laying out items in the driveway.
"We've had hundreds of people come by already," said Manny. "It's been insane."
Manny was surprised at the turnout for the event, and how early some shoppers came through.
"I had a guy here at 6:15 in the morning," he said. "I was worried there wouldn't be anybody..but I was wrong."
Lefroy resident Monique Isaacs was out with her family on Saturday and was happy to score an old school desk and footstool.
"We saw signs locally, and decided it was time to get out and see what we could find," she said. "It's so nice to chat with neighbours again."
Everyone who took part was encouraged to donate $5 to animal rescue, Procyon Wildlife, which Raaphorst says is an important organization to the town, who frequently looks after foxes in the area that are found in the area.
The women were pleased with the turnout and the weather, and hope to make the sale an annual event.
"It's been a whirlwind, it's been crazy," said Raaphorst.
"We hope it was a successful day for all and know next year will be bigger and better," said Newman.
Donations to Procyon Wildlife are still being accepted here.
