70 miles of garage sales? Yes, please
Will it all fit in? Please bring a truck.
Rummage Along the River is a 70-mile garage sale extravaganza that winds along Highway 35, Wisconsin’s Great River Road, through the communities of Stoddard, Genoa, the Bad Axe, De Soto, Ferryville and Lynxville along the river and Seneca and Mt. Sterling after you swing up County E to Highway 27. Sales are Friday and Saturday, May 19 and 20, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
What better way to spend a Friday or Saturday than to drive the Great River Road National Scenic Byway, shop for bargains and enjoy the fabulous scenery, wildlife, local places and people.
This year, there’s a website for information on sales (www.rummagealongtheriver.com) in addition to the Rummage Along the River Facebook page. The sales map can be printed from those sites. Also, stop at the local convenience stores, village halls and retailers to pick up a listing of the sales.
Every participating community will have something special to offer.
Those who want manly stuff such as tools, table saws, crafts, furniture, hunting boots, jackets, gloves, great antiques, bargains and quilted crafts should aim their car toward Stoddard. Garage sales include items from an estate, a church, antique crocks, big size clothing, kids’ toys, kitchen items, tables and chairs. The American Legion will have a sale, food stand and bargains. Boy Scouts are selling hotdogs and other items too.
At the Ferryville Village Hall, salers will find Capelle’s Cuisine selling Chicago hotdogs, walking tacos and other fabulous food at various vendors. DJ John Capelle will entertain on Friday and, on Saturday, a musical guitar and vocal duo will play in the morning followed by Capelle’s music after that. The De Garmos will have their mega sale in the Bad Axe neighborhood with everything from soup to nuts, so bring a huge shopping bag for the sales there.
De Soto is a “must stop” and Genoa is the place for finding fishing gear and more. Lynxville has a wealth of treasures including hunting gear, camo clothing, a compound bow, hunting tree stand and harness, mirrors and more. In Seneca, shoppers are likely to find antiques, seasonal items, dog beds, hunting equipment and other treasures—some from long ago.
Why not make it a weekend and stay at one of the great lodging places along Highway 35. Bring your biggest totes, a cup of coffee (or buy a cup at the local spots), relax and enjoy.
Anyone hosting a garage sale is encouraged to contact their community coordinator for a free sign. Coordinators are: Stoddard—Robin Palmer, Genoa—Jana Engh, De Soto—Gary Fluhr and Miles Bohland, Ferryville—Sherry Quamme and Jeanne Rutter, Lynxville—Kim Schneden, Mt. Sterling—Barb Quamme and Ann Wallin, Seneca—Barbara Schroeder and Dwana Andert.
A Department of Tourism JEM (Joint Effort Marketing) Grant helps to support this event.
