North Jackson yard sale brings residents together

By ELISE FRANCO

The annual yard sale began a decade ago as a special event for the community.

NORTH JACKSON — If one man’s trash is another’s treasure, township residents will be rich this weekend.

The North Jackson Citizens Association is having its annual communitywide yard sale Friday and Saturday beginning at 9 a.m.

Jeanne Sudimak, secretary for the association, said last year the yard sale saw more than 100 participants all over the township, and this year she and township Trustee Olin Harkleroad said they anticipate even more.

“It’s gotten really big,” Harkleroad said. “In excess of 100 people are setting up in the field, and it’s approaching 250 total yard sales.”

The field, at 11349 W. Mahoning Ave., belongs to Harkleroad. Sudimak said he spends much of his time mowing the field and getting it ready for sellers to arrive.

“He has been measuring 20-foot- by-20-foot spots off since Monday, to get that field ready for the weekend,” she said. “When outside people come onto that field, they are welcomed into our township.”

Over the years, Harkleroad said people have come from Steubenville, Pittsburgh and Erie, Pa., and even Stockton, Ariz.

“It draws them in by the truckloads,” he said. “It’s kind of a mad house, but it’s a lot of fun.”

Harkleroad said the yard sale began a decade ago, after he saw the need to do something special for the community.

“I wanted to get people to rally together and do something,” he said. “The money raised is all given back to the community in one way, shape or form,” he said.

Over the years, the association has donated money to the North Jackson Veterans Memorial, the painting of the township’s new water tower and to adding the Jackson-Milton Blue Jay logo to it.

Besides raising money to better the community, Sudimak said the yard sale is an opportunity for neighbors and friends to get together.

“Personally, I think it gets the community all involved because those who don’t have a sale come to visit with neighbors,” she said. “It also gives people the chance to get rid of their unwanted items — things that others might need.”

Sudimak said free parking will be available at the field, to help keep the streets clear of cars. Flyers with a map showing the yard sale locations will be handed out at the field, as well as in local businesses.