Treasure hunt

Computers for $10 and bags of toys for $4.

Bargains like these drew adults and children alike to the 10th annual Rotary Annual Garage Sale (RAGS) Saturday at the Kitsap Fairgrounds Pavilion and Van Zee Building. The event needed two buildings and an outdoor area to display all of the items for sale.

People bought an array of items including computers, televisions, tools, sporting goods, exercise equipment, dishes, artwork, furniture, books and clothes.

First-time event chairman Greg Rogers, of the South Kitsap Rotary, was pleased with the turnout.

“I think roughly 5,000-7,000 people came out Saturday,” Rogers said.

Five local Rotary clubs sponsored the annual event including Bremerton Noon, East Bremerton, South Kitsap, Silverdale Noon and Silverdale Sunrise.

RAGS brought in $35,000 for the five clubs. It was back in October that planning began for the event.

“This was about an average year for us,” Rogers said.

The Rotary clubs share the profits from RAGS. The money goes toward community projects, Rotary scholarships and the exchange student program.

Jeanni Judt and her mother traveled from Belfair to shop at RAGS for the first time.

“My best friend’s mom comes here every year, so we figured why not,” Judt said.

Judt was not looking for any item in particular, but found clothes and other items that appealed to her.

“If something catches my eye, I’ll buy it,” Judt said.

More than a hundred Rotarians donned bright green shirts to work as cashiers and security for the event. Silverdale Noon Rotarian Jo Schaefer sold floral goods.

“The crowd turnout is great,” Schaefer said. “People get some real bargains. It’s incredible.”

Schaefer has worked at RAGS in the past and enjoys the event.

“I wish I could shop,” Schaefer chuckled.

Rotarians also had a silent auction and raffle. Auction items included paintings, U.S. Navy memorabilia, telescopes, rugs and benches.

Unsold items at RAGS go to local charities including the Benedict House in Bremerton and the Bremerton Boys & Girls Club.

“The usable items go to charity,” Rogers said. “Just a handful goes to the garbage.”

Rogers will serve as RAGS event chairman next year. Rotarians will host a meeting to discuss what went well at this year’s RAGS and what should change for future events.

“This was my learning curve,” Rogers said with a smile.

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