Citywide Garage Sale returns Saturday

Albany’s annual Citywide Garage Sale is set for this Saturday, Sept. 6, and organizers say the event is shaping up to be another busy one with strong local participation and plenty of out-of-town interest.

“We’ve already got almost 10 registered garage sales, and several others have reached out but haven’t stopped by the office yet,” said Chamber of Commerce manager Brandi Lehew. “The number usually grows the week of, so we’re expecting a great turnout again this year.”

Visitors can stop by the Albany Chamber of Commerce office starting at 7 a.m. Saturday to pick up maps of registered sales. 

Each $10 registration includes a yard sign and a spot on the official map. The final deadline to register is Thursday at noon to allow time for printing.

“There’s always a mix—families cleaning out closets, community groups hosting fundraisers, and more,” Lehew said. “And we always have people from out of town who come in just for the sale. It’s a fun day and good for the local economy.”

Fall Decorations
 Coming Soon

Chamber staff and volunteers are also preparing for the annual fall decorating effort. Ag students are already cutting cane, which will be dried before being used for downtown decorations. Lehew said she plans to reach out to the FCCLA this week to see if they’ll help again with boards and bows.

“Our goal is to have decorations up by mid-September,” she said.

The fall display—featuring bundled cane, ribbons, and holiday signs—has become a seasonal tradition in Albany, typically followed by  Christmas decorations later in the year.

Christmas Parade 

Planning Underway

Planning is also in motion for this year’s Christmas parade, scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 29. Lehew said online registration will open by Sept. 30, and she hopes participants will begin thinking about their entries now.