On Saturday, April 29 at 10 a.m., Rexburg Life, a community group, organized and hosted a community garage sale, allowing individuals to clear out their closets and small business to show what they are made of.
“Rexburg life has a vision,” said Ayden Rennaker, the coordinator of Rexburg Life. “It has a mission and as we keep plugging away at that our hope is to make a positive impact on the city and change the community.”
There were tents pitched all around the parking lot of Marren’s, which sits at 23 South 1st East in downtown Rexburg. The parking lot was filled with booths that held various items ranging from clothing, yard work materials, homemade items and variety of food that all participants enjoy.
Individuals paid $10-20 each to set up their booths in the Marren’s parking lot. This money helped to pay for the use of the parking lot and the clean-up after the event.
One booth was set up by Kriztina Herrera and her son, Jesus Herrera. They sold homemade epoxy dishes and Perler beaded keychains of cartoon characters. Kriztrina Herrera shared that she learned of the garage sale and opportunity through the local Facebook page “Rexburg Life.”
“This is my second year participating in the garage sale,” Kriztrina Herrera said. “I think that the garage sale is a great idea for the community to get together and get to know each other. I’m a stay-at-home mom, so this is fun for me to get out and make new friends.”
Attending the garage sale were various food vendors ranging from baked goods, carnival foods and homemade tacos. Belen Adelarosa and her family set up their nine-year home catering taco business at the event.
“They are planning to continue the garage sale each Saturday until the end of the summer,” said Adelarosa. “I will be here as much as possible. We make good tacos, tamales, burritos, and crazy corn. This is a great opportunity to show the community who we are.”
Vendors of all categories have become involved in the community-wide event, sharing stories, items and smiles with all who come by. Most vendors return each week to share their talents and interactions with new customers.
“A lot of these guys were here last week, and they’ll be very excited for the weeks to come,” Rennaker said. “They come from as far away as Idaho Falls, Rigby and Ashton. It’s awesome to see all the support for these vendors during the event.”
Rennaker sees this event as an opportunity for each citizen of Rexburg, whether long-term or short-term, to be part of the community and be involved. He concluded by providing advice to the college students of BYU-Idaho.
“My advice to the students is to become more involved in the community, become more active and then support local business,” Rennaker said.