Yellowknife (July 30/04) - It's time to set up the tables on the front lawn, it's yard sale season.

Around the Deh Cho, people are rummaging through their neighbour's belongings in hopes of finding a little treasure, gift or something they'll end up selling as their own junk a year from now.

Fort Simpson's Sheila Gunderson is a yard sale aficionado, rarely missing any opportunity. She goes in search of old movies, books, decorations, art, gifts for her twin sisters or anything that may be of interest to the elders at the long-term care centre where she works.

"You can't miss any (yard sales) because you might miss a good deal," is Gunderson's philosophy. "I love a bargain like everybody else."

As much as she cherishes a good price, she's not fond of having to haggle to get it.

"I'm not good at that," she said.

Cindy Browning, also of Fort Simpson, said she has picked up a bedroom set for $200 at a yard sale this summer. She also unexpectedly found a replacement piece for her tea-light lamp.

"It was cheaper than buying a replacement out of the catalogue," said Browning.

Not everyone comes away with an armload, or truckload of purchases. Medina Norwegian, of Jean Marie River said, "I usually just look around, I don't buy anything."

Barbara McLeod noted that she and other Fort Liard residents travel to Fort Nelson, B.C., about two hours south, to attend garage sales there.

"You meet new friends at garage sales," she said.

"It's mostly a social thing for me," Fort Providence's Lorna Nadli agreed, adding that she will be holding a yard sale amidst this weekend's busy Mackenzie Daze festival.

However, there are times when social aspects can actually be a hindrance to the hard-core shopper. Gunderson recalled instances when she had her eye on something but was then distracted by getting into a conversation, allowing someone else to get what she coveted.

"I've lost a few items by being too yakety-yak," she said laughing.