Shoppers brave rain for annual Island sale

Not even a little rain could keep the flow of bargain shoppers from near and far away from the 15th annual Puget Island Garage and Yard Sale (PIGYS) last Friday and Saturday.

Howard Brawn, a Puget Island resident and a stalwart PIGYS supporter, was hanging out at his usual spot at the south end of the Puget Island bridge, handing out maps for the event. He braved the off and on rain from the cover of his truck canopy.

There were more than 50 sale locations on the map, and Brawn thought it might be a record. As for shoppers, they weren't coming in droves, but they were steady on Friday morning. He was hopeful.

Drivers did their dance, slowing in front of sales to scope the scene while trying to avoid other motorists, pulling quickly into a spot if something caught their eye. There were tents erected all over the island where garages weren't available; sellers were prepared for the weather.

Danny and Terri Eaton had a VFW fundraising sale at their home, and small flags marked the parking area for shoppers, but when Danny learned people weren't sure which building to enter, he pulled out a neon bar sign and let it flash in the window.

At one garage sale on West Sunny Sands, the homeowners were even more prepared for one result of shopping for hours--hunger and thirst. They were selling snacks.

Marianne Brightbill had some words of wisdom: "You never know what you need until you see it at a garage sale."