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Bargain hunting at the Great Glebe Garage Sale. Photo by Chris Saunders.

The Great Glebe Garage Sale - May 25, 2013

Each year for over two decades, thousands of people have flocked to the Glebe for the annual Great Glebe Garage Sale. This year's event is on Saturday, May 25, 2013. I'm sure you've heard about this legendary local garage sale. It's the one where people walk away with used traffic lights or rare and valuable works of art. These finds are rare however. Most people end up with sore feet and a backpack full of ceramic pots and old books that their significant other purchased over on Holmwood.

About the Great Glebe Garage Sale

• When: The Great Glebe Garage Sale is coming up on Saturday, May 25, 2013 from 9:00am - 3:00pm. (While 9:00am is the "official" start time, sellers and buyers are usually out much earlier.)
• Bring cash: ATM machines empty out early, so bring cash to avoid disappointment.
• Fundraising: All participants are asked to donate 10% of proceeds to the Ottawa Food Bank.
• Rain date: The Great Glebe Garage Sale goes rain or shine.
• Parking: DON'T BRING YOUR CAR! Walk, ride your bike or take the bus. Traffic in the Glebe will be chaos on Saturday. Not only is there a massive garage sale, but there are also Ottawa Race Weekend events happening, and there's construction nearby on Bronson Avenue. If you have to bring your car, Lansdowne Park can be a good spot to park.
• More tips:
  1) Garage sale veterans say the sales are better on the west side of Bank Street.
  2) It's not just about buying old, used stuff -- many Glebe merchants and restaurants and community groups are participating too
  3) Buy from all the lemonade stands (via @alisonjette)
  4) If you want it, buy it. If you leave then come back, it'll be gone. (via chloeGHT)
  5) Get there EARLY! And by early I mean 7am. (via @anatheaT)
  6) If it's $5, bargain it down to 25 cents. (via @djsonice)
  7) Come equipped with eco-friendly bags for your purchases and check out the churches for some great book finds! (via @Ivy_O)
  8) If we are asking $100 for something, no I will not take 50 cents for it!! (via @navyliz)
  More from our blog: Pro Tips for getting ready for the Great Glebe Garage Sale...
  • Info: Please email any question or comments regarding the Great Glebe Garage Sale to GGGS@glebeca.ca.
• More info: http://www.glebeca.ca/events/garage_sale.html

Related Links

• 
  @ott_garage_sale
  Our automated Twitter feed of local garage sale listings.
  
  
  
• David Scrimshaw's Garage Sale Schema
  Check out this link for lots of great tips from this veteran Glebe Garage Sale shopper. Tips like, "Don't make plans for late afternoon ... you'll need a nap when you get home" and "don't bother with the blocks east of Bank" and "buy lemonade from kids as often as your internal organs permit". A must-read before you head out on any garage sale expedition.
• Glebe Garage Sale official site
• OttawaStart Blog: The Glebe
• OttawaStart Blog: Garage Sales
• Round-up: The best finds at the 2011 Great Glebe Garage Sale

Great Glebe Garage Sale FAQ

• What is the Great Glebe Garage Sale?

  It is a community event organized by the Glebe Community Association since 1986. Homeowners in the Glebe are the primary vendors working on their front lawns, driveways and porches. Collectively they make one giant sale that has become an annual community festival attracting thousands of people to the neighbourhood.
• What's the connection with The Ottawa Food Bank?
  From the very beginning, the Glebe Community Association has encouraged vendors (and shoppers) to donate some of their proceeds to this important community service. As a registered charitable organization, The Ottawa Food Bank will issue tax receipts for donations of any size. Did you know that 43,000 persons a month use their local food bank? In 2009, the Sale generated just over $12,700 in donations - we'd like to exceed this total this year as a special anniversary gift to help meet increasing needs in the broader community.

• What is the date?

  The sale is always the fourth Saturday in May.

• What will happen if it rains?

  The sale will continue rain or shine! There is no rain date for the sale. Vendors are encouraged to plan on using tarps or garages if there is rain in the forecast.

• Where is the Glebe?

  The sale is held in the City of Ottawa in 'The Glebe', the neighbourhood bordered by Bronson Avenue, the Queensway (417), and the Canal. A number 1 or 7 OCTranspo bus going south on Bank Street will take you into the heart of the Glebe. 
  Directions and a map can be found here...

• How do I register as a vendor?

  There is no official registration, however there are restrictions as to where you can set up your sale.

• Can I set up a table on the sidewalk in front of my apartment building or in a local park?

  Absolutely NOT!  Vending on public property such as sidewalks, boulevards, roads, and parkland is illegal without a permit and you may be ticketed by Ottawa by-law officers. Anyone selling food (except for baked goods) must have a permit from the City of Ottawa- for more information, contact the Public Health Department. Commercial food vendors must contact:http://www.ottawa.ca/e/CON061730

• Where can I get a table or space?

  Further information will be posted closer to the sale date next year.

• What are some tips for a successful garage sale?

  Set up early so that you are prepared for those early birds! Price all your items, either individually or in groups (eg. books 25 cents). Display items on tables or in boxes according to type and/or price. Have a cash box or change apron with lots of coins for change. In the case of large items that can't be carried away, an impromptu sales receipt can be drawn up with a deposit and an exchange of telephone numbers to hold the item until the traffic has dwindled and you can return with a vehicle to pick up your treasure.

• What about parking?

  Parking is limited in The Glebe at the best of times! We encourage you to walk, ride your bike or take the bus for best access. If you must drive, kindly park your car and walk in the neighbourhood rather than cruising in your car to reduce congestion. The amount of pedestrian traffic makes driving dangerous for everyone. If you're a Glebe resident, try to park your vehicle off the street to make room for the many visitors we expect again this year.

• Are there any designated no parking zones?

  All the usual parking rules are in effect. Please check the posting of parking signs and insure that you are not blocking a fire hydrant or driveway. To ensure emergency routes stay clear, the following streets will be marked as tow-away zones: Fifth Avenue (from Bank to O'Connor), O'Connor, Strathcona and Metcalfe. Parking enforcement will also concentrate on no stopping zones and double parking.

• Are there ATM machines nearby?

  Yes. However they empty out early, so remember to bring cash with you.

• How can I reduce my environmental impact?

  Vendors - please place a garbage can by the curb for litter. With the large crowds this event attracts, there can be a large amount of litter produced. At the end of the day, clean up around your property and ensure you don't leave debris on the street. Shoppers - please hold on to your litter until you see a garbage can and then stash the trash.

• What about access to public washrooms?

  There are public washroom facilities available on the second level of Fifth Avenue Court (Fifth and Bank Street). The Glebe Community Centre (Third and Lyon), Glebe St. James United Church (650 Lyon St.) and St. Matthew's church at 217 First Avenue (near Bank St.) may also be open to the public.

• How do I donate to the Ottawa Food Bank?

  You can go directly to The Ottawa Food Bank website and make an on-line donation at: www.theottawafoodbank.ca. 
  or send your donation to:
  The Ottawa Food Bank
  1317B Michael Street
  Ottawa, ON K1B 3M9 
  On the day of the sale, Ottawa Food Bank volunteers are in the area with a vendor kit that provides sale information and a form for making donations to the Ottawa Food Bank. You can also drop off your donation to their booth at the Glebe Community Centre (Lyon Street lawn).

• Are there other ways to help out?

  Yes! The Ottawa Food Bank would appreciate volunteers to help distribute information on the day of the sale. For more info contact GGGS@glebeca.ca.
• Rain or shine, buyer or vendor, have fun and don't forget to share your luck with the The Ottawa Food Bank.
• If you have any questions that have not been addressed in this FAQ, please send an email to GGGS@glebeca.ca.

FAQ provided by The Glebe Community Association

Related Guides

• Ottawa Used Stuff Guide
• Ottawa Events Guide
• Ottawa Shopping Guide
• Ottawa Community Guide
• Ottawa Events Guide

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