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07/26/2017 09:00 AMEveryone has those things tucked away in boxes in basements and attics that they just don’t use anymore, but don’t know what to do with—maybe it’s some linens or vases tucked away, or a forgotten tchotchke. If this sounds like a familiar story, take those things down to the Deep River Congregational Church (DRCC) for its annual Flea Market and Rummage Sale.
While the Flea Market and Rummage Sale won’t be held until Friday and Saturday, Aug. 18 and 19, church volunteers have been collecting and organizing donated items since June, and almost all of the 82 vendor spaces for the flea market have been filled.
“We’ve been hosting this for many years,” said Kris Lindner, DRCC’s office manager. “It’s a fundraiser for the church itself, and for the youth mission. It’s a big event, a lot of people come out and spaces go fast. Vendors at the flea market sell all sorts of products, it’s just a variety of everything and anything—handmade things, jewelry, handbags—you can find just about everything. We have a lot of repeat vendors each year. It’s one of our largest fundraisers.”
In addition to the flea market vendors on Marvin Field and on the church grounds, there is a food booth and a bake sale. Volunteers will be selling coffee and doughnuts in the morning, and hamburgers, hotdogs, and side dishes later in the day. The rummage sale will take place inside the church.
“It’s household items, knick-knacks, dish sets, linens and bedding, pillows, jewelry, kids’ toys, almost anything,” said Cathy Smith, one of the rummage sale’s organizers. “We cannot take clothing, books, or large furniture. We just don’t have the space. It’s a lot of fun. It takes almost the whole church. Every year I make new friends.”
Donations will be accepted until Saturday, Aug. 12 during church hours, which are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and from 4 to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday. For other drop-off times, call Cathy Smith at 860-526-1875.
“The best sources for items are tag sales. Instead of taking leftover items to the dump, people bring us the items they don’t want to keep,” said Smith. “In past years, we’ve had a bag sale the last hour, but this year most items will be half-priced for the last two hours of the sale. Anything leftover will go to Goodwill, or to local businesses or groups that might need things.”
Smith stresses that there is something for every budget. Rummage sale items cost anywhere from a quarter to $50, depending on the items. There is also a boutique room, featuring what Smith calls “nicer-than-rummage-sale” items, which might have a higher price.
In addition to items, the rummage sale can always use additional volunteers.
“It takes a team all summer to organize and sort the items,” said Smith. “You don’t have to be a church member to volunteer. It’s a wonderful thing to see the church and the town come together in Deep River. It really is a unique town.”
The Deep River Congregational Church flea market will be held on Saturday, Aug. 19 at the church (1 Church Street) from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The rummage sale will take place on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 18 and 19; on Friday, there will be a pre-sale from 6 to 8 p.m. for a $5 admission fee; the main sale will take place on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. To donate items or volunteer with the rummage sale, contact Cathy Smith at 860-526-1875. For more information about the flea market or to inquire about renting a space, contact the church office at 860-526-5045 or email office.drcc@snet.net.