The seemingly endless days of rain have finally come to an end and there is a hint of fall in the air. What better time to clean out those closets, attics or garages and to get rid of all that accumulated clutter?

Well, booth space is now available for the upcoming Community Yard Sale sponsored by the Old Town Bay Minette Arts Council! The Yard Sale will take place on Saturday, Sept. 7 from 8 a.m. until 12 p.m. at Halliday Park, directly across the street from the North Baldwin Chamber of Commerce. Make a little profit off your productivity or if you aren’t interested in selling but could use the space and want to donate to a worthy cause you can give those items to a non-profit organization already participating in the yard sale.

The North Baldwin Literacy Council is one such agency. Housed in the Bay Minette Public Library, the NBLC works with volunteer tutors to teach adults reading, writing and life skills. It relies on grant monies, donations and fundraisers to continue its worthy mission. The Community Yard Sale is an important part of that.

The history of yard sales can be traced back to the days when huge cargo ships – large, wind powered vessels with tremendous sails – transported goods from all over the world. After the goods were delivered the remaining cargo, which was left unclaimed or had been damaged, was made available to purchase by the general public. This practice soon garnered the name “rummage sale” and grew to include the sale of unwanted, unclaimed or damaged goods located in warehouses as well as ships’ holds.

By the late 1800s, the practice of selling unwanted items migrated from the docks to the churches and eventually became a fundraising opportunity for not only the sponsoring church but community organizations as well. Sales of this sort have been conducted all over the world but seem to be most popular in North America. And as the times changed, so have the rummage sales.

By the close of World War II the United States became increasingly prosperous. People had more money to spend and there were more things available to spend it on. Folks began moving to suburbs and accumulating a surplus of these items. As this occurred the idea of the garage or yard sale developed into a community staple. People had the space to sell their unused but still useful items. The practice grew and is now a well-established way for individuals, charitable and civic organizations to generate extra income.

The idea of a yard sale is a win-win situation for the seller and the buyer. People are able to sell unwanted items and clear out the clutter while others are able to get a good deal and purchase something they want or need for far less than retail. It’s true that one person’s junk is another’s treasure!

Here’s your chance. Get rid of your unwanted but still valuable stuff. Or come and take advantage of the bargains to be had at the Community Yard Sale! For more information on the yard sale, call OTBMAC President Judy Pimperl at 937-3572 or if you would like to donate to the North Baldwin Literacy Council please call NBLC Director Marilyn Waters at 937-1112.

In other business news: The Bay Minette Public Library will be closed Saturday, Aug. 31 through Monday, Sept. 2 for the Labor Day Weekend. We hope you and yours have a safe and wonderful holiday!

Mark your calendars for Market Day in Blackburn Park on Saturday, Sept. 14 from 8 a.m. until 12 p.m. Come out and find lots of homemade, handmade and homegrown items for sale.

Joanna Bailey is the director of the Bay Minette Public Library. She can be reached at baileyvolumes@gmail.com