News File Photo A shopper peruses items at a citywide garage sale in Alpena in 2017. This year’s garage sales will be Friday and Saturday, June 24 and 25.

By DARBY HINKLEY

News Lifestyles Editor

ALPENA ­– This year’s citywide garage sales are planned for June 25 and 26, but more participants are needed.

Organizer Arlis St. Charles said a few applications have been received, but she is hoping for at least 20 participants. The 2020 event was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The prior year, in 2019, 39 homes were listed on the sale map, which is printed in the Alpena News each year.

St. Charles said it’s a great way to get out and enjoy the weekend.

“When you’re out saling, you might as well go to all of them,” St. Charles said. “You never know what you’re going to find.”

This is the fourth annual event. It will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, June 25 and 26.

The cost to participate is $15 for one day of your choice, or $20 for both days. Payment can be made with cash only at the Alpena Area Chamber of Commerce, 235 W. Chisholm St., Alpena.

Applications are available at the chamber of commerce, Alpena Alcona Area Credit Union, Cabin Creek Coffee, North Country Candy & Gifts, Fitzpatrick Hardware, and online on the Alpena Citywide Garage Sale Facebook page.

The deadline to drop off forms and fees is 1 p.m. on June 21. When dropping off your paid form, you will receive a 50% off coupon from the Alpena News for a classified ad, only redeemable during citywide sales for participating addresses.

Brightly colored Citywide Garage Sale signs are available for participants to use, but must be returned to the chamber of commerce between 5 and 6 p.m. on June 26 or after that, during regular business hours.

For more information, check the Facebook page or email alpenagaragesale@gmail.com.

Money collected will cover the cost of promoting the event and a portion saved for the following year. The remaining balance will be donated to the Huron Humane Society and Friends Together.