Wonderful Day in Springville
Home from three fires this summer, it has been a busy week getting ready for the next one, even if it doesn’t happen.
When I read an e-mail from the Community Club saying they were going to have a yard sale on Saturday, I was quite interested. Because of all the COVID problems and restrictions, plus organizations not meeting face-to-face, my opportunities to present my two books have gone away. This sounded like a great opportunity.
Even though the Community Club concept was for folks to bring their “trash and treasures” and hold their own yard sale, I learned it would be acceptable for me to bring my books to display. I anticipated that with pleasure the opportunity to be in front of people with my books again.
Of course, it was no accident the “Whole Town Yard Sale” was to be held on the third weekend in October, when for the past many years, we’ve had the Apple Festival, but not this year. I checked with the Community Club as to where they were going to be setting up. As I anticipated, it would be in the park. As I drove along Highway 190 toward home Friday evening, I saw a major yard sale setting up below Lower Globe Drive. They were going to be busy tomorrow. From the looks of the areas already set up, there were several families participating.
Saturday morning I started up 190 toward the park in Springville, and saw at least three more yard sales in various driveways. The Station had the Springville Women’s Club setting up in their parking lot, and the sidewalks were strewn with folks preparing for the day. The regular Saturday Morning Farmers Market was also present, so there was lots to see in Springville.
At the park, I found a parking spot directly in front. It was already crowded, so I had to squeeze my pop-up tent in between two folks already set up and ready for business. I quickly hauled all the pieces of my display to the spot, then parked my truck out of the way.
By the time I could get back to my stuff, the young man who was my neighbor to the west, had taken pity on “the old man.” He had had my pop-up almost entirely set up. We finished it quickly together, along with my heartfelt “Thank You,” then moved it into the place I’d chosen. With a good folding table with my books spread out on top, three chairs, and my ipad for taking credit cards for purchases, I was ready for business.
The front edge of the Springville Park was well-filled with other folks all set up and selling. The parking area across the street in front of the bank ATM and The Patton House, also had a variety of folks selling a wide variety of things. If there was an open spot available along 190, there were folks set up displaying whatever they were selling. I understand, though I didn’t get to go see them, there were also multiple small yard sales in front yards and driveways along Tule River Drive.
The weather for the “Whole Town Yard Sale” was excellent. Warm, sunny, and typical good fall weather.
The early foot traffic, at least for the first hour or more, was the Serious Yard Sale Crowd. Walking quickly, glancing left and right, they scanned for bargains or unusual items. It was obvious, this wasn’t a “book buying” crowd. I sipped my coffee and enjoyed watching the foot traffic.
About 10 a.m., maybe 10:30, the crowd changed. These were folks who came to look through what was being offered, and were planning on staying, rather than dashing from booth to booth. I was able to attract a little attention from this crowd, and got to tell the story about the books a couple of times. But nobody was into buying.
Around midday a young lady came by carrying a small stack of children’s books. Aha. There’s a book buyer.
We learned she has seven kids at home, and was walking up and down the street, looking for books. She’d found a bargain in one of the booths across the street, but they were for her youngest children. After hearing my story about how “Fire on Black Mountain” came to be written, plus the tale about “Snow on Black Mountain,” she decided she also needed something for the older offspring. So, one of each title was duly signed to “the family,” rather than any specific child, and sent home with her for joyous reading.
Because of the restrictions placed on all of us, I’ve missed getting out among the public with my books. It’s something I’ve really enjoyed. However, with my books displayed on a table in front of me, while seated back of the table in my comfortable chair, the requisite six feet of separation was easily maintained.
If you have an event coming up, or know of some opportunity for me to be present with my books, I’d love to hear about it. Many organizations have gone to online meetings, and I’m certainly not averse to that. I have the ability to join your meeting, using my phone or ipad as a camera, to present a program. I could even do a question and answer period if you choose.
The purchase of books could be handled discretely by private phone call after the meeting. I can take cash, checks, or credit cards for payment. I would be pleased to deliver them to a common location, or even meet with a buyer in person.
I want to thank Weisenberger Hardware for supporting my writing and sponsoring this column in the Recorder. Drop by 881 West Olive and spend a buck or two with the local guys. They specialize in one product the big-box stores don’t carry — service.