US12 Garage Sale

[Kurt Anschuetz]

Hello Promotions Group,

   I think Ypsilanti should take part in "Michigan's Longest Garage Sale."   http://www.us12heritagetrail.org/garagesale.asp   The Garage Sale is run by the 'US12 Heritage Trail organisation.'    It will take place August 12-14th.    

   Here is my vision:

• The center of the Ypsilanti Event would take place on the Water Street property.
• Residents and groups would be able to set up an area for 10-20 dollars -  There is no lack of space so the bigger the better.
• A booth would be set up to promote local business - Give coupons / maps etc.
• There could be a 'Taste of Ypsilanti' area set up.
• Neighborhood Associations, Churches and Non-profits would be invited to set up large sections where they take donations from their residents prior to the yard sale and those organizations keep their profits.
• Invite anyone else with interest on down - Maybe Cafe' Racer would host a Motorcycle Show,   Fire House Museum has a promotion,  Etc.   

   Here are the needs:

•  A group to co-ordinate the event --  I'd take it on
  
• Advertising the event which should bring a lot of people to Ypsilanti
• Getting businesses interested
• Security to protect the area so people don't have to pack up all of their crap between days (they sign a waiver that limits security liability)
• Contacting a non-profit to pick up any of the items that don't sell and people don't want to take home.    Local Ypsi groups would get first priority,  National groups like Purple Heart or Salvation Army would get the remaining items.   

I think there would be a lot of interest in a giant Garage Sale.   I think it would be ironic to put it on the site of the old Flea Market.   I think it would promote Ypsilanti Businesses and Museums.   I think it would help the local clothes banks and non-profits.   

Those are my thoughts for the day,

Kurt Anschuetz

On a Side Note:   I noticed that only Crossroads (only on one day) has listed their event on the US12HeritageTrail site.  Perhaps someone should send in a list of relevant events to that site.