BEVERLY - Bargain hunters in and around Beverly, Waterford and Lowell should keep their eyes peeled this week for red balloons.
That's how the more than three dozen businesses and 30-plus residences participating in the third annual Community Sale will be designated today, Friday and Saturday. The event is sponsored by the Beverly-Waterford Area Chamber of Commerce.
"We want to give our local businesses and residents a chance to come together and have one big sale," said Missy Huck, a chamber member and manager at one of the participating retailers, B&W Pharmacy. "Secondly, we would want to introduce people into the community and drive traffic this way."
It's been successful the first two years, Huck said, noting people who have never visited the communities before have been attracted by so many sales in one area.
Beverly resident Sharon Farnsworth, 64, said that critical mass attracts frugal yard sale enthusiasts who may be concerned about high gasoline prices.
"They can go to a lot of yard sales in one day," she said.
Fact Box
If You Go
What: Third annual Beverly-Waterford-Lowell Area Business/Residential Community Sale.
When: Today, Friday and Saturday.
Where: Businesses and homes flying red balloons; a list of participating residents can also be picked up at Citizens Bank, Waterford Commercial and Savings Bank, B&W Pharmacy and other area businesses.
Farnsworth had a sale at her Main Street home last year and was busy preparing for this year's installment Tuesday.
"We have friends who live in the country, and they bring their things in," she said.
Aside from drawing more customers than the average standalone yard sale, Farnsworth said another advantage is that she doesn't have to spend anything to let folks know about her sale.
More people are joining Farnsworth. Huck said more than 20 residents held sales last year, and there are more than 30 signed up this year. The actual number could be larger since some residents simply hold their own sales without actually registering, she said.
The inaugural event two years ago was held on a Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Last year's sale was switched to Friday through Sunday, but Huck said the decision was made to change it back this year.
"I think Sunday that people have a lot of family obligations, church obligations," she said. "That also gives businesses a chance to participate more."
Sandy's Bargain Barn owner Sandy Wright said she approves of the change. Her Waterford store, which sells used furniture and new mattress sets, is joining in the sale for the third time.
