Oak Bay’s largest garage sale takes place in late July

“I’ve got gadgets and gizmos galore. I’ve got whozits and whatzits galore. You want thingamabobs? I’ve got 20! But who cares? No problem, I want more.”

In that song, Disney’s Ariel might as well be talking about her own garage sale experience.

And while we don’t recall her ever trying to sell her treasures at low, discounted prices, her garage sale would likely have been a huge success if she had.

Who couldn’t use a little something? Garage sales have always been strange events.

For starters, they’re fun. Browsing through the personal belongings that others are looking to sell is part bargain hunting, part socializing and haggling, and part treasure hunting.

But no matter how you look at garage sales, GARAGELLENIUM’s Garage Sale Day, Oak Bay is always a good day.

Once a year, the people of Oak Bay throw a huge event. Every household in Oak Bay is invited to sign up for their own special sale. Over 90 households do so each year, making it probably the largest garage sale in Greater Victoria. (Okay, we know there are larger organized craft sales and markets, but unless you have a handwritten sign and at least one salad spinner to sell, it doesn’t count as a garage sale.)

Cassie Kangas is the organizer of the event, which has been running for 26 years now and its popularity has not diminished.

“I think the community spirit is what sets this sale apart,” Kangas said. “You meet other people in the neighborhood that you would never have met otherwise.”

Of course, garage sales are also about treasure hunting.

“It’s about finding that one item that’s a spectacular deal that you never expected to find,” Kangas said. “Years ago, my husband and I found this absolutely amazing lamp at a St. Patrick’s Street sale. It now hangs in our dining room as a reminder of the potential treasures out there.”

GARAGELLENIUM will take place on Saturday, July 27, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Residents who want to be a part of the fun can register their sale at oakbaygaragesale.com beginning July 8. Registrations will be open until July 18.

For those unfamiliar with garage sale etiquette, the website also offers some friendly advice. For example, it’s a good idea to bring small bills and change, since garage sale hosts aren’t equipped with ATMs.

Also, don’t come too early. Being at a sale an hour before the start time is just not cool.

And then there’s the haggling.

“Haggling is always a factor. Some people really enjoy negotiating and will throw out a low offer, but don’t be offended if it’s rejected,” Kangas said. “Remember, beyond the bargain hunting, the point is to have fun while you’re searching for treasure.”

Kangas stressed that the event has something to offer for treasure hunters of all ages.

“Children are welcome because they love to search for their own special treasures. And older people who are looking for that one special item enjoy it just as much,” she said.

Finally, don’t forget to visit Engel & Volkers at 2249 Oak Bay Ave for free coffee, lemonade, and cookies from 9am-1pm.

After all, it’s important to stay hydrated and energized before diving into the next sale