For many years, the annual white elephant sale has been a staple of the New Ipswich Congregational Church’s Children’s Fair. But structural problems in the Old Town Hall, where the sale has traditionally been held, have required a change.
In early 2015, the Main Street building was condemned due to a failing foundation, and it was deemed unsafe for occupancy. With the cost to fix the building currently out of reach, the church is now not allowed to use the hall for the sale.
“While we were very sad, we know that the safety of our friends and neighbors is the most important factor, so we searched for an alternative option,” wrote organizer Chris Bergeron in a press release. “Last year we had a great idea to have the majority of the White Elephant on a different date than the fair.”
In 2015, the church held a smaller-than-usual White Elephant sale during the fair, but storing the items for the sale was difficult. This year, the White Elephant will not be held during the fair, but the money raised will still be added to the Children’s Fair pot.
“We are doing this because there is just no room to store and sort through all of the items donated without the use of the old town hall,” wrote Bergeron.
“Sorting takes a lot of effort and room and without the old town hall, it is an unmanageable task.”
This year, the sale will be held on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the parking lot of the Congregational Church on 156 Main St..
Sale spots cost $15 for a 10×10 spot or $20 for a spot and a table or $35 for two tables with two spots.
Extra tables are $10 and pop ups are an additional $10 To reserve a spot, email niccyardsale@comcast.net or call 438-4143.