VNA Rummage Sale Started Friday on the Fairgrounds in Far Hills

Spring, 2011, VNA Rummage Sale. (Photo/R. Bergeron)

The spring rummage sale held on behalf of the Visiting Nurse Association of Somerset Hills began today and continues for two more days.  It will be open for bargain hunters tomorrow morning, Saturday, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and on Sunday, from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

According to the VNA’s website, “This famous Rummage Sale, held every fall and spring at the Fairgrounds in Far Hills, New Jersey, is New Jersey's largest and oldest. As a major fundraiser for the VNA, 100% of the proceeds support the VNA’s programs and enable the VNA to care for those who are uninsured or underinsured.

If you haven't been before, prepare yourself! Bargains are everywhere, and the selection, spread out over 75,000 square feet, is incredible – you name it and you'll find it there.”

I always try to go each year, because I’m a bookworm on the lookout for an unusual edition on an interesting topic, or for a good novel or other notable work of literature.  (I found seven books for $12, about the price of a single electronic version.)  

Dolls in the toy section draw attention. (Photo/R. Bergeron)

There is something for everyone.  I observed people walking out with all manner of purchases:  kitchen appliances, furniture, toys, books, clothing, gardening tools, antiques, old records, CD’s, and virtually hundreds of other items and categories of interest. 

A conservative guess is that – especially when the weather is good – probably several thousand people show up to patiently wait their turn in line to peruse merchandise under the tents of their choice. 

This event is very well-organized.  There is a visible police presence to direct traffic and to ensure order, while many other volunteers inside the grounds point drivers to available parking spaces.  Others man the tents, helping customers and checking out purchases.

Well said.  (Photo/R. Bergeron)

It takes a lot of work on the part of many volunteers to put this thing together.

Each spring and fall I know when the work begins, because my neighbor Annie waits at the foot of my driveway for a driver that will pick her up, after which they both head to the Fairgrounds in Far Hills to begin preparations for opening day.

When I left the VNA site at noontime today with my book bag filled to the brim, the parking lot was near capacity.  This event is one of the rites of spring in Somerset County and, if you have a couple of hours to spare, you can pick up a few bargains while doing some good for this organization which helps so many in this area.