Rummaging Around New Jersey

Support charities while you shop at any of these rummage sales!

Visiting Nurse Association of Somerset Hills Sale
May 2, 9:30 am–3:30 pm; May 3, 12:30–3:30 pm, Far Hills Fairgrounds, U.S. 202 and Peapack Road (CR 512), Far Hills
The 90-year-old granddaddy of rummage sales is held spring and fall and draws thousands of shoppers. Merchandise includes clothing, household items, antiques and tools. Check the website for directions and a map of the sale’s layout. There’s free blood pressure testing at the nurses’ tent. The sale is rain or shine, snacks are available, and cash, checks and credit cards are accepted. Parking is limited. Items are half-price on Sunday afternoon.

The Turnover Sale
Throughout July (except July 4th week), 9:30 am–12:30 pm, Tuesdays, and 7–9 pm Thursdays. Morrow Church, 600 Ridgewood Road, Maplewood; 973-763-7676
Launched during the Depression, this sale is sponsored by United Methodist Women and benefits mission projects. Savvy shoppers line up before doors open and the hunt for jewelry, furniture and vinyl records begins. Maps are available at the entrances. Prices decrease over the course of the sale. Only a few rooms in the church are air-conditioned, and the dressing rooms are communal.

Peach Festival Country Auction & White Elephant Sale
First week of August (once the peaches are ripe). Community Presbyterian Church, 220 Main Street, Chester, 908-879-5091
This outdoor event includes a White Elephant sale and a lively auction for donated goods. The day-long fest benefits local soup kitchens and service projects. The rummage sale is a regular stop for serious antique shoppers and collectors of china, crystal and books. Hundreds line up before the event begins, and the peach pies usually sell out in less than an hour.

Porch Club of Riverton
Mid-September and mid-March. Fourth and Howard streets, Riverton; 856-829-6333

One of the country’s first women’s clubs, this group focuses remains on issues that affect women, children and families. The twice-a-year sale supports shelters, UNICEF and breast cancer research, among other causes. The sale has a loyal following; shoppers line up before doors open on Friday evenings and again on Saturday mornings. The last two hours, usually noon until 2 pm, feature the much-anticipated bag sale, when goods are sold by the grocery sack.

Trinity Rummage, the Early Bird Holiday Sale
October 24 & 25. Trinity Church, 33 Mercer Street, Princeton; 609-924-2277

This sale breaks its record each year; last year it earned more than $60,000 for outreach programs. Gifts, decorations and books are big draws. On sale Friday, shoppers pay $10 for entry in groups of 10 for the first half hour. Saturday is free, but staggered for the first 30 minutes. Numbered tickets are available two hours before the sale begins. Snacks and beverages are available.

Youth Group Rummage Sale
First week of February (check website); Christ Church Short Hills, 66 Highland Avenue, Short Hills; 973-379-2898
This decades-old event, which supports an annual mission trip and outreach programs, is teen led and organized. Church rooms serve as departments, while larger items—including used cars—are sold outdoors. The sale is a must-shop event for athletic gear, including canoes, kayaks, golf clubs and skis. Linen, children’s and the women’s boutique are popular stops. Youth-group members are on hand to carry items to shoppers’ cars.

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  1. Dana Paul Golden

    would like to see a page where i can see all 2017 upcoming rummage sales