Treasure Hunt in St. Clair Shores

A Day of Treasure Hunting and Community Spirit

Last year, residents of St. Clair Shores—Rose Lopiccolo, Denise Bean, and Diana Amann—were just shoppers at the citywide garage sale. This year, they joined the ranks of over 900 sellers hoping to make a little money while giving unwanted items a new life. The event, now in its third year, has become a beloved tradition that brings the community together.

Lopiccolo shared a humorous moment from her first day as a seller. “The very first thing I sold on Friday morning was two packages of Depends that my mom never used,” she said. “I just thought it was funny—off all things.” She sold the adult diapers for $3, far below the average retail price of $23. Her experience highlights the unpredictable nature of garage sales, where anything can be a hit or a miss.

The three women had jewelry, home decor, and housewares spread across several tables on both sides of their driveway and into the garage on Bayside Street. Bean noted that there wasn’t one particular item that stood out as a hot seller. Instead, business remained steady throughout the weekend, with the women selling items from various categories.

“We sold a little bit of everything,” Bean said. “Everyone is looking for a treasure, so it’s just a matter of having the treasure someone is looking for.” Tools were a popular item, and Bean mentioned that she considered bringing some of her late husband’s tools to the sale but decided against it. Now that she knows how much people value such items, she’s thinking about bringing them next year.

Bean also pointed out that other sellers had unexpected successes. “One of the people down the street just had baby and kids’ clothes and she sold a ton,” she said. “You just never know what people are going to be looking for.”

Art Meets Utility in a Unique Garage Sale

Not all garage sales are the same. On Elmdale Street, Alma Jacek’s sale looked more like an artist’s showcase. Her daughter, Pam Echeverria, had several unique handmade pottery items for sale, while Jacek was selling brightly colored, hand-sewn quilts. “My daughter did really, really well with her stuff,” Jacek said. “She uses doilies to make the texture on the pieces.”

Jacek showed customers a plate with a cat design, explaining that it could be hung and used as a birdfeeder. With a little encouragement, she revealed some of the items she made using quilting and embroidery that were too dear to sell. From baby quilts with elephants to pillowcases featuring Holly Hobby-type characters playing with cats, her collection showcased a wide variety of fiber art.

“It is just what I do all winter,” Jacek said. Her creativity and craftsmanship turned her garage sale into a mini art exhibit, drawing attention from curious passersby.

Bikes and Other Surprises

Around the corner on 11 Mile Road, Joseph Farrah reported brisk business this year compared to last. “The big seller today was the bikes,” he said, pointing to a few children’s bicycles still lined up next to his walkway. “The bikes all went right away.”

Farrah noted that some items he expected to sell didn’t, while others he wasn’t sure about did. For example, he was certain a vintage wooden rocking chair would have sold early, but it remained available until Saturday afternoon. Meanwhile, a customer who grabbed a Detroit Red Wings hat and a chess set left satisfied he got a great deal.

Farrah attributed the success of the sale to the summer heat. “It has been a hot summer, so normally I would have multiple garage sales, but this year has been too hot for people,” he said. “I noticed a lot of people closed up early today, and I think that is probably the reason.”

He also observed that people seemed to prefer smaller, portable items they could carry themselves.

A Community Event with Growing Appeal

The St. Clair Shores Citywide Garage Sale took place from August 15–16 and is organized by the Cool City Committee. Now in its third year, the event continues to grow in popularity, offering residents a chance to clear out clutter, earn extra cash, and connect with neighbors. Whether it’s a quirky item like adult diapers, a handmade quilt, or a child’s bicycle, the sale reflects the diverse interests and talents of the community.