Maple Leaf may not have its own farmers market, but Blue Saucer is planning the next best thing on Sunday, July 18.
From 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., the coffeeshop at 9127 Roosevelt Way N.E. is closing its parking lot to cars and opening it up to the community for its third annual neighborhood sale.
Maple Leaf residents are invited to bring their arts and crafts, antiques, garage sale items, jewelry, plants and just about anything else to sell throughout the day.
“It’s really just whatever people want to sell,” said Blue Saucer owner Billie Bryan. “We’re just here to have a good time on a hot Sunday afternoon.”
Participation is free, but those selling items have to bring their own tables, canopies, chairs and anything else they need to showcase their wares. They’re also responsible for their own sales, as well as setting up and cleaning up their space.
And although participants must reserve a spot, the actual spot they get is based on a first-come, first-served basis. Bryan recommends you arrive an hour early to set up and allow for an hour afterward to clean up.
So far, about 30 people have agreed to participate, but as long as there’s still space, people can “sign up right until the 17th,” Bryan said. “The more the merrier.”
Each year, the the sale has gotten progressively bigger, and Bryan hopes the growth continues.
“Over time, I would like to see it fill our entire parking lot and be big enough to have it once a month,” she said.
But even if you don’t have anything to sell, you’ll still want to stop by. So far, items for sale include homemade jams and other preserves; homemade chocolate (unless it’s too hot!); blown glass; prints and frames from Hangfire Design and Frame; toys; pottery; a kids craft table; antiques and “junktiques”; photography; books; garage sale/rummage sale items; and Parfait Organic Ice Cream also will park its truck at Blue Saucer for the festivities.
Oh, and “inappropriate hugs.”
Bryan also hopes some vendors will join who can do face painting or portraits.
“I think we’re going to have a good mix this year,” she said.
Bryan does have one rule, however: Participants are asked to not sell anything that competes with Blue Saucer’s items, such as coffee, tea, smoothies, pastries and cupcakes.
Have you got stuff to sell at the neighborhood sale? Stop by Blue Saucer and add your name to the list, e-mail bluesaucer@gmail.com or call 206-453-4955.
