Rummage sale season has arrived….and I couldn’t be happier. There is something to be said for the old fashioned church rummage sales with bits of everything on sale for prices as low as 25 cents. Mind you, there is not much that you can get for a quarter these days, but that the possibility exists is very exciting for bargain shoppers like myself.

For many local churches, these rummage sales are one of their biggest fundraising events and an opportunity for their congregation to come together and have some fun. For the rest of us, it is a way to also be part of our community while finding some great deals on just about anything.

The first sale of the season is being held up at West Point Grey United Church (4595 West 8th Avenue, Vancouver). Located on the corner or 8^th Avenue and Tolmie, they offer one of the largest sales that spans over four days. Starting today (September 10^th) and tomorrow (September 11^th) from 3pm to 7pm they will be selling books, collectibles, knick knacks, music CDs and tapes, and movies DVDs and tapes. Then on Saturday (September 13^th) they have the “big sale” where not only can you still buy the above mentioned items, but where you can also find an incredible selection of clothing, sports gear, housewares, tools, linens, picture frames, garden supplies, and so much more. You will even be able to stock up on home made baked goods. Then on Sunday they have a blow out clearance sale from 2pm to 4pm, often selling everything at half price or less.

With all this selection usually comes a lot of people…be prepared to line up for a little while for some of the sections (e.g., books) as they have had to spread out in various rooms throughout the church. I had to wait 10 minutes to get into view the books and about 15 for the collectible section today. However, the wait was well worth it as I found a copy of John Bishop’s cookbook “Cooking At My House” for $5. This is an amazing buy as I already own it and cook from it frequently. I have been looking to find another copy for a friend who also loves his style of cooking. The recipes are user friendly and incredibly flavourful. I also bought a copy of Le Cordon Bleu’s “Home Cooking Collection on Casseroles.” One of my favourite dishes to make is Cassoulet and they have an interesting version in it that uses duck confit…this I want to try.