All year, Route 90 is a scenic highway driven by many for its beautiful views. But one weekend every July, it also becomes a route for shoppers looking for great deals and hidden gems.
The Citizen file photo
Marilyn Young, left, of Weedsport, sits back as people browse during the Route 90 Garage Sale in Cayuga last year. She believed the turnout for last year's sale was down due to higher gas prices.
Marilyn Young, left, of Weedsport, sits back as people browse during the Route 90 Garage Sale in Cayuga last year. She believed the turnout for last year's sale was down due to higher gas prices.
Hundreds of people, businesses and organizations will line up from Montezuma to Homer this weekend for the 50-mile-long garage sale. The annual event dates back decades and draws people from in and out of the region with sales, food and other activities.
“If you're looking for that kind of Americana experience, it's a really good one,” said Meg Vanek, director of the Cayuga County Office of Tourism. “It's a good day out.”
Every year, people set up along Route 90 to sell antiques, collectables, clothing and other second-hand items for passers by. In the early years, the sale was known as a way to come across some great finds for antiques. Since then, it has grown into a regional event that brings together local businesses and community groups for barbecues from village to town.
Community yard and garage sales are relatively common throughout the country. But what makes this event unique, Vanek said, is that it strings along the rural beauty down the east side of Cayuga Lake.
The sale has been featured in national publications, and it regularly draws people from out of state, she said.
“Throughout the month of July, and throughout the year, we get many phone calls (about the sale),” Vanek said.
The tourism office organizes some publicity for the annual sale, but does not organize the event itself. In fact, there is no organizer anymore.
Connie Talcott served as the organizer for many years while she owned her own book store in Union Springs. The sale was run through an association of small businesses, and in some instances vendors would register to participate.
But now, Talcott said, everyone knows about the sale. People just show up the last weekend of the month and bring the goods to sell.
“It took on a life of its own,” she said.
These days, Talcott gets to participate as a shopper. She never really got to take advantage of the bargains while she was at the book store because she was a vendor for the event.
But her experience with the sale also means she knows exactly what to expect. It's a hectic event that generates a lot of foot and vehicle traffic, especially inside the villages on the route, Talcott said.
“Just (remember) to drive very carefully. And it's rain or shine, so dress for the weather,” Talcott said.
If You Go:
What: 50-Mile-Long Garage Sale
When: All day Saturday and Sunday, July 25 and 26
Where: Route 90 from Montezuma to Homer
Info: Call (800) 499-9615
Note: The Cayuga County Health Department is reminding vendors that a permit is required to sell food at the 50-mile sale. Anyone who has questions about the permit process should call the Environmental Health Division of the county's Health and Human Services Department at 253-1405.
Christopher Caskey
253-5311 ext. 282
christopher.caskey@lee.net
“If you're looking for that kind of Americana experience, it's a really good one,” said Meg Vanek, director of the Cayuga County Office of Tourism. “It's a good day out.”
Every year, people set up along Route 90 to sell antiques, collectables, clothing and other second-hand items for passers by. In the early years, the sale was known as a way to come across some great finds for antiques. Since then, it has grown into a regional event that brings together local businesses and community groups for barbecues from village to town.
Community yard and garage sales are relatively common throughout the country. But what makes this event unique, Vanek said, is that it strings along the rural beauty down the east side of Cayuga Lake.
The sale has been featured in national publications, and it regularly draws people from out of state, she said.
“Throughout the month of July, and throughout the year, we get many phone calls (about the sale),” Vanek said.
The tourism office organizes some publicity for the annual sale, but does not organize the event itself. In fact, there is no organizer anymore.
Connie Talcott served as the organizer for many years while she owned her own book store in Union Springs. The sale was run through an association of small businesses, and in some instances vendors would register to participate.
But now, Talcott said, everyone knows about the sale. People just show up the last weekend of the month and bring the goods to sell.
“It took on a life of its own,” she said.
These days, Talcott gets to participate as a shopper. She never really got to take advantage of the bargains while she was at the book store because she was a vendor for the event.
But her experience with the sale also means she knows exactly what to expect. It's a hectic event that generates a lot of foot and vehicle traffic, especially inside the villages on the route, Talcott said.
“Just (remember) to drive very carefully. And it's rain or shine, so dress for the weather,” Talcott said.
If You Go:
What: 50-Mile-Long Garage Sale
When: All day Saturday and Sunday, July 25 and 26
Where: Route 90 from Montezuma to Homer
Info: Call (800) 499-9615
Note: The Cayuga County Health Department is reminding vendors that a permit is required to sell food at the 50-mile sale. Anyone who has questions about the permit process should call the Environmental Health Division of the county's Health and Human Services Department at 253-1405.
Christopher Caskey
253-5311 ext. 282
christopher.caskey@lee.net
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