Home page

Text size

E-mail this page

INUVIK
This wasn't your typical tailgate party.

Zoila Castillo and her son Miguel Castillo-Drescher were wheeling and dealing at the Tailgate Sale at the Midnight Sun Recreation Complex on June 29. - Shawn Giilck/NNSL photo

Approximately 20 vendors set up shop in the parking lot of the Midnight Sun Recreation Complex June 29 to barter their way to a few dollars and, hopefully, a less-cluttered home.

It was all part of the annual Tailgate Sale sponsored by the town, organizer Rose Constantineau said.

"It's something that town does once or twice a year," she said. "We also do one in the winter."

The goal is to help town residents shed some of their unwanted stuff to ready and willing buyers in an informal "multi-family" garage sale setting, she said.

"This is a way for people to have a venue to come and sell," said Constantineau.

Market for items

Judging by the dozens of people wandering the parking lot and perusing the selection on a cool, rainy morning, there was indeed a market for the items.

Suitable for cold weather, a large selection of winter clothing and boots along with children's items were available.

Among the vendors was Zoila Castillo, who was hawking numerous items, including a large number of DVDs.

"We're downsizing because we're renovating," she said with a laugh. "And my husband won't let me keep all of my stuff.

"I think this is a great idea to get out and see what's there," she said, taking a quick break from a steady stream of customers. "And it's more convenient than having your own garage sale."

Gilles Ringuette had the stand next door, where he was selling various household odds and ends.

"We've been very busy," he said. "This is a very good idea."

The garage sale circuit is a popular one in town, often with many of the same core group of diehard buyers travelling the circuit from one location to another.

Also present was Crystal Navratil, who said, "I come every year."

She extolled the virtues of her items, including a camera case that encouraged her to put the "hard sell" on a reporter, who fortunately this wasn't in dire need of one.

Lorne Guy and his family were also busy selling before they left for the summer for an East Coast vacation. One of the items collecting some interest was an astronomical telescope, although it hadn't sold one hour into the sale.

"It's a way to bring the community together," Constantineau said.

We welcome your opinions. Click here to e-mail a letter to the editor.