There was some dispute as to when exactly bargain hunters began to show up to wait in line for Saturday's Hoosier to Hoosier sale. Some in line claimed they came at 4 a.m., while others said it was as early as 3 a.m.
At the front of the line was IU senior Sam Ratkiewicz and his friend. The two came to the sale in search of housewares. They came early because they had heard the place would be mostly cleared out by noon. His friend, an IU graduate student, said he was too tired to comment.
When 8:00 a.m. rolled around, the doors opened for the eighth annual community sale, organized by the City of Bloomington Sustainability, IU Office of Sustainability and Cutters Soccer Club at the Warehouse on South Rogers Street.
The sale collects items left behind by students from the University at the end of each school year and throughout the summer, volunteer coordinator Jacqui Bauer said. Many of the items for sale were fairly standard items to be left behind by students: microwaves, shelving, old clothes, couches, kitchenware and more.
Proceeds from the event go to the IU Office of Sustainability, City of Bloomington Sustainability and the Cutters Soccer Club. The sale started eight years ago in the stadium. Bauer called that first year “unorganized,” but they managed to raise $10,000 and prevent 20 tons of leftover items from ending in up in a landfill. It has since grown substantially. Last year, $45,000 was raised, and 60 tons were diverted from a landfill.
“It’s gotten better every year, and it’s the core group of volunteers who make it happen,” Bauer said.
Here are our top 10 items for the sale:
1. The Backwoods Critters Cookbook — $1
Dinner on a budget? With this cookbook, look no further than your own backyard. With recipes such as Squirrel Italiano and Party Time Opossum Pate, your next barbecue is sure to be a hit.
2. Dave Ramsey Special Bundle — $1
Dave Ramsey, a personal finance motivational speaker, would certainly approve of such a deal. The bundle includes the “Relating with Money” CD, “Total Money Makeover” and “Financial Peace University,” Ramsey’s biblically based financial training series. Consider this purchase an investment.
3. Walking Stick with Attached Dream Catcher — unmarked price
While it may not help your short game, this walking stick’s unknown properties could bring good luck and handle bad dreams like a charm.
4. Giant Teddy Bear — Two for $1
This handsome bear is #slumped. He could be exhausted from staying up all night to get the best deals. However, his red bow tie (not pictured because of the #slump), suggests a classy night on the town.
5. Plastic Chairs with Empty Capri Suns – 50 cents each
For only 50 cents, these mini plastic lawn chairs won’t fit any fully grown human, but they are perfect for storing your empty Capri Suns or seating stuffed animals at your next imaginary get-together. Note: Duck not included.
6. Fun for Feet Brand Penguin Slippers - $1
These fuzzy friends might be from the coldest place on Earth, but their thick, fuzzy, frond material feathers will keep your feet warm all winter long.
7. His and Hers Koozies — Four for $1
These silicone-based drink holders will keep beverages cool on those hot Bloomington days. Overly enlarged male and female chests serve as an ergonomic hand grip but may create and perpetuate unrealistic expectations of men's and women's bodies.
8. Delta Delta Delta Heart Sign — $3
Bargains that tell a story in their simple existence are especially rare. The market for TriDelt signs may have shrunk, but believers in life after death could be interested in this Etsy-worthy pink and purple heart with fake pearl accents.
9. Pillow Pets — $1
Looking for company on a Saturday night? These fuzzy friends make for great listeners and cuddle buddies. The fur appears especially tear-absorbent for late-night mental breakdowns.
10. Wind-Up Flower Music Box — $3
Some say the essence of beauty is difficult to capture, but this music box accomplishes the task with ease. Its symphonious rendition of “Amazing Grace” is perfect for setting the scene at your next funeral or church service.
