Citywide rummage sale slated
For those looking for a bargain, White Hall’s annual Trade Days’ citywide rummage sale starts bright and early Saturday.
So far, about 15 individuals or organizations have signed up to participate in the event, which is sponsored by the White Hall Chamber of Commerce, said Chamber President Joe Spadoni.
Previously a part of Founder’s Day, the rummage sale is being held separately for a second year because Founder’s Day was canceled.
Lydia Scholebo, Founder’s Day organizer, said there’s still time to sign up to participate in the event, but people need to sign up by the end of today. She can be reached at White Hall City Hall at 101 Parkway Dr., or call (870) 247-2399.
It’s an annual event and fundraiser for the White Hall American Legion Post 232. Pat Freeman, White Hall American Legion Post 232 vice commander, and his wife, Mary, are spearheading the Legion’s participation in the sale.
“Get there early in order to get the best … but not before 8 a.m.,” Pat Freeman said.
Their sale will be at their headquarters at 1104 Nancy St., and will run from 8 a.m. until noon. The legion’s selection includes a variety of items donated by their members.
There will be items for sale indoors and in the parking lot, weather permitting, and masks will be required for entry into the indoor sales area.
“The indoor sales include interior items like pictures, lamps and rugs. The exterior sales include [a] children’s playhouse, toys and furniture,” as well as children’s educational material, Pat Freeman said.
It’s their main annual fundraiser and the money goes to a number of nonprofits the legion supports, including both Arkansas Boys and Girls State, which the American Legion Auxiliary established in the 1930s, and it provides financial support at the gift shop inside the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System Eugene J. Towbin Healthcare Center at North Little Rock.
After a discussion by the Chamber with White Hall Mayor Noel Foster, the decision was made to cancel Founder’s Day for a second year because of the rise in covid-19 cases.
Since the rummage sale is mostly an outdoor event, organizers decided to host it again this year. Participants in both events can socially distance themselves or wear masks, Spadoni said. Free Trade signs are available upon request.
A LITTLE HISTORY
Founder’s Day has been in existence since 1983, when a young James “Jitters” Morgan helped then Gov. Bill Clinton climb up onto the back of a flatbed pickup so he could address the crowd. Twelve years later, Morgan, now deceased, became White Hall’s second mayor.
Spadoni said about the cancellation, “It was disappointing.”
Mayor Noel Foster officially called off the event because there was no way to follow state health department guidelines, especially concerning six-feet of separation, he said.
“It would have been impossible,” Spadoni said.
In the later years, Founder’s Day grew into a monthlong lineup of events and competitions, with often more than 5,000 in attendance.
Founder’s Day has been much more than old cars, cheerleaders, live music and a parade. It’s considered a multifaceted event by the chamber organizers.
“It’s not a money-making event,” said Spadoni, adding that instead, it gets people involved in the community and creates a sense of pride, and for others a homecoming.