Royal Oak's Annual Antique and Garage Sale - July 19 & 20

The 33^rd Annual Antique and Garage Sale was held this weekend, Saturday, July 19 and Sunday, July 20. This year's venue was held at the city parking structure located at Lafayette between 5th and 6^th Streets in downtown Royal Oak. The event was billed as "rain or shine." It's a good thing that the parking structure is enclosed, thus ensuring that no one would get wet in case of rain. The weather channel hinted at rain, but the skies remained dry. There was a wide variety of antiques and other goods to look over.

This year's antique and garage sale promised to be another great event, with over 200 vendors signed up, and they delivered! Their wares include antiques, vintage collectibles, jewelry, clothing, sports memorabilia and much more. There was also be a food court located on 6^th Street.

The annual sale is a popular destination with bargain hunters and antique collectors. The garage sale benefits the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber of Commerce has estimated that 15,000 shoppers will visit the city to check out the sale.

In addition to the garage sale, most local merchants held a corresponding sidewalk sale, so the values spill out throughout the city. A map of the participating sidewalk sale merchants can be found here.

I've attended previous sales, and I can say it's something the entire family looks forward to. Unlike the local art fairs, the garage sale is a gritty yet fun event, and the atmosphere is carnival-like. Some of the merchandise is new, and you'll need a sharp eye if you are looking for antiques or collectibles. I've purchased instruments, vintage dolls and an antique coat rack at previous sales.

From previous experience, the best day to go for hunting for value is Sunday, and the best time in the afternoon, when some of the vendors become motivated to deplete their stock. You can make some pretty good deals then! Even if you don't find anything to take home with you, make sure you stop at the food court. There's a wide variety of food, including bratwurst and fresh squeezed lemonade.