For those who have been waiting, the official date for Bridgeport’s annual Citywide Yard Sale has been announced. Community Development Director Andrea Kerr said the event will take place August 6, which falls in line of holding the event the same period for the past several years.

 

“It is the first Saturday in August, and we’ve been trying to stick to that,” said Kerr.

 

The “official” time for the city sale is from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. As Kerr noted, many residents start earlier and remain open longer than that time frame. She also said many residents opt to make it a two-day event, which is something the city has no control over.

 

“They can be open on Saturday, or the day before, as long they want,” said Kerr. “Our experience shows the times generally fluctuate by household, but several will be open for at least the city observed time frame.”

 

The city’s actual involvement is limited, but it is an important part of the event for those seeking out deals and looking to plan the best way to hit as many homes as possible. Bridgeport allows residents to register their homes for a city distribution list.

 

“Individuals can go ahead and email me their address, which is really all we need,” said Kerr. “Homes can advertise any way they see fit, including by registering with us, going on Facebook, signs, online, or in newspapers.”

 

To get on the city list, individuals need to email Kerr at akerr@bridgeportwv.com. Kerr takes all the addresses submitted and then puts them on a city map that is distributed to the public.

 

Individuals can submit their addressed to Kerr through July 29. After that, the addresses will be put on the map, printed, and placed at various city venues for pickup – such as the municipal complex, public library, the Benedum Civic Center, and others. Connect-Bridgeport will announce when the maps are available.

 

The registration works. Kerr said last year nearly 125 households registered, and there were many others taking part that did not. The map created by those registering is expected to again include a list of city restaurants with addresses and phone numbers for those who need a break during what is often a day-long shopping event.

 

Kerr said she has met with Interim Police Chief Mark Rogers who has assured here there will be extra police patrolling the neighborhoods the day of the yard sale. She said the VIPS will also be out, as well as digital signs reminding locals and visitors not to block streets as traffic increases substantially during the event.

 

Editor's Note: File photo above by Ben Queen Photography. Community Development Director Andrea Kerr is shown below.