FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- Moving can be a chore, but Fort Rucker's seasonal community yard sales provide an opportunity for military families to shed unnecessary items and earn a little extra cash for the journey ahead.
"Imagine multiple yard sales in one centralized area," Katie Oskey, Fort Rucker special events coordinator, said. "No more driving neighborhood to neighborhood early Saturday morning in the hopes of finding a great deal. Fort Rucker's Spring Outdoor Yard Sale and Flea Market brings them all together on the festival fields."
Registration is currently open for sellers to bring their wares to the festival fields April 1 from 7-11 a.m. Sellers must register no later than March 29.
"Spaces are open to the public," Oskey said. "Rental pricing varies by the space desired and the status of the seller: government affiliated or a member of the general public. Military ID (active duty service members and their family members, retired military, reserve, DOD personnel) is required for government rate pricing.
"If you are mailing your registration form, you will either have to bring in your ID card prior to the event or show it at the registration table the day of the event," she added. "If no ID is shown, the general public rate will be applied."
Spaces for military ID or CAC card holders are available for $25 for a 15-by-20 space and $35 for a 30-by-20 space. The general public may also purchase space for $35 and $45 respectively.
"This event is fun and beneficial for both the sellers and the shoppers," Oskey said. "The sellers have the opportunity to do some spring cleaning of their household goods by displaying and selling them in a controlled environment with a built in customer base. And thanks to their spring cleaning efforts, the shoppers get their pick of gently used household goods, clothing and much more at a fraction of department store prices.
"By participating in the Fort Rucker Yard Sale and Flea Market, much of the hard work is done for the seller," she added. "DFMWR handles all marketing efforts and reservation of space. No more taping posters to stop signs, and no more strangers trampling through your yard or rummaging through your garage."
According to Oskey, sellers can improve their experience with a few easy steps.
"To be successful in the Fort Rucker Yard Sale, we recommend a few housekeeping tasks," she said. "Arrive on time for set-up, clearly label pricing on each item and come prepared with a change bank."
Set up will begin at 5 a.m. April 1 and all sellers will need to be ready to open by 7 a.m. for the first shoppers.
"In the past, the crowd has congregated early, therefore, being set up on time will support the seller's success," Oskey said. "There will be no shopping prior to 7 a.m. Tear down will be from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. -- there will be no early tear down and the field must be vacated no later than 1 p.m."
According to Oskey, the Fort Rucker Yard Sale and Flea Market differs from a typical yard sale as the sellers themselves vary. Each seller brings an assortment of items, drastically increasing the selection over what one would find in a typical yard sale.
"For single Soldiers, couples and families, everyone is sure to find a treasure from at least one of the sellers," she said. "Whether you are looking for a new or gently-worn outfit or a piece of furniture that you can refurbish to fit your home décor, the Fort Rucker Yard Sale and Flea Market may have what you are looking for."
The event allows a wide variety of vendors to sell items in a central location, but a few items are prohibited.
"We encourage commercial vending with a contract," Oskey said. "This includes, but is not limited to, Scentsy, Mary Kay, home-based businesses, arts and crafts made for retail, etc. No business promotion is allowed. No live animal sales. No weapons sales. DFMWR reserves the right to remove items from sale without discussion, such as items that are considered to be inappropriate or endanger patrons in any way."
Sellers who do not possess a military ID or CAC card must obtain a visitor's pass prior to the day of the event, according to Oksey.
"If a member of the public does not have a current visitor pass, they will need to obtain one prior to Saturday morning," she said. "The Daleville Visitor Control Center will not open until 8 a.m. on Saturday and sellers will need to be set up prior to this time. Shoppers who do not intend on arriving at the yard sale until after 8 a.m. may obtain a pass that morning; however, they should expect processing time at the gate that will delay their shopping."
For more information or to register, call 255-2997 or 255-1749.
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