Sun City Grand garage sale attracts thousands

Even before shoppers could get to the sale, they knew they were in for a big event.

About an hour after it began, Sun City Grand traffic was gridlocked for blocks surrounding Sonoran Plaza as thousands of bargain hunters arrived from near and far to shop the popular, bi-annual sale.

About 250 vendors filled the parking lot offering everything from knick-knacks to Corvettes.

Valerie Smith of Surprise and her daughter, Jeanine Hannah of Sun City West, had just at the sale a few minutes before they nabbed a red hat.

"I’m a Red Hatter," Smith said. "We just arrived at the sale and I already spent $3."

The two said they enjoy going to garage sales anyway and having hundreds of vendors in one spot made it convenient.

"It’s a great way to spend time together," Hannah said.

Adrienne Christie of Sun City carried her 2-year-old long-haired chihuahua, Midget, around in a large ceramic pot she found at the sale.

"I’m so amazed, this is so wonderful," Christie said. "I can’t believe I just found this for $10."

Shirley Madkins’ booth was doing brisk business with her home-based beaded hair combs business, called Sunglow.

The Sun City West resident said she started making the hair accessories a year ago and has already had to hire four other beadmasters to help keep up with the orders.

"It’s a ministry for me," Madkins said. "I’m a strong Christian and donate a large part of the proceeds to foreign missions. I feel this is a gift God gave me."