Bridgeport Announces Date for its Citywide Yard Sale
By Jeff Toquinto on June 24, 2024
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 Saturday August 3, which falls in line with 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.
Kerr knew it was time to get the word out to the public and started the process of planning for the annual event. The reason she knew it was
time was simple.
time was simple.
“I to my first email two weekends ago and we’ve started receiving phone calls, so I know people are wanting to plan for it,” 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 period. 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. The residents can customize their sales as they believe is best.”
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.gov. Kerr takes all the addresses submitted and then puts 
them on a city map that is distributed to the public.
them on a city map that is distributed to the public.
Individuals can submit their address to Kerr through July 26. 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 more than 100 households registered, and there were many others taking part that did not.
Kerr said she will once again collaborate with Police Chief Mark Rogers who gets with his staff and Kerr to make sure there will be extra police patrolling the neighborhoods the day of the yard sale. She said the VIPS will also be out.
“This has become a really big event and some of the homes sign up year after year We also understand this event isn’t for everyone because some people love it and some people hate it,” said Kerr. “The impact it has in helping residents get rid of unwanted items and raise money along with adding business to the community is substantial.
“We try to beef up police coverage. You don’t want to block driveways, roadways and there should always be a path for emergency vehicles,” she continued. “Common sense and courtesy can go a long way in making sure it is not as big an issue for those who are not fans of the event.”
Last year Kerr said she joined City Engineer Beth Fox and took in the event. She was not a spectator, but rather a participant.
“I feel confident saying thousands came through during the yard sale last year,” said Kerr. “I visited a lot of yard sales with Beth, and I couldn’t believe how many people were out and about.”
Editor's Note: Top photo is of a yard sale from last year, while Community Development Director Andrea Kerr is shown below.
