Bay County Scanner Feed

(5/3/19) - A stretch of M-15 between Bay City and Clarkston, covering 5 counties, will once again transforms itself into the longest garage sale paradise in mid-Michigan this weekend. And some of the boldest shoppers braved chilly weather to find that special item at a bargain price. For more than a decade now, thousands of bargain hunters, some from out of state, travel up and down a 60 mile stretch of M-15, from Bay City to Clarkston. They sift through vintage toys, clothes and furniture and other items offered by local homeowners and businesses. You never know what you'll find. "I bought two tents today, a tree stand, a deer hunter's tree stand. It barely fit in the car, and some rubber boots," said Craig Gavette, from Flint Township. A gray sky, sharply colder than normal temperatures, or even surgery. "I just had my knee replacement three weeks ago, so I'm out shopping," commented Linda Hart, a Waterford resident. Nothing could dampen the enthusiasm for those rummaging through hundreds or even thousands of items, just to find that one perfect purchase. "There's so many places to stop at and see and lots of goodies. I've got earrings, a purse," added Penelope Miller, from Waterford. One vendor found a creative way to stay warm while others helped set up shop for the busy weekend ahead. "We've had to pull in a couple of quick times to get out of the rain and get our stuff out, but we're really looking forward to tomorrow because it's supposed to be a good day. We've got multiple families coming out so we're really excited," said Robin Castillo, who lives in Davison Township. Some are even preparing to make some extra money by offering other products to customers. "We cook hot dogs, because we know people get hungry on the road. And we got pop and we got chips and we do Donna's Donuts in the morning," commented Jonathon Miskey, another Davison Township resident. Traffic back-ups are common, so be sure to pack your patience along with snacks if you're heading that way over the weekend. Even more sales begin Saturday morning as early as 7am and last into well the evening hours.