On the first weekend of September, Gibbons’ usually quiet streets transform into a bustling marketplace as Main Street fills with the lively buzz of eager shoppers. Located 36 km northeast of Edmonton, this small town of approximately 3,300 hosts an annual Town-Wide Garage Sale that started modestly but has since grown into a vibrant regional event that amasses over 3,000 visitors every year.
In its earliest years, back in the 1990s, the sale was primarily made up of a few local households. Today it operates at a much larger scale, with 237 downtown vendor sites available and 61 residential locations officially registered in 2024. Vendors offer a wide range of items, from gently used children’s clothes and toys to furniture, tools, home decor, antiques, collectibles and even locally grown fruits and vegetables. The event truly appeals to all kinds of shoppers.
“It’s more than just people cleaning out their closets and selling items — it’s a community event that strengthens social bonds, supports the local economy, promotes environmental responsibility through sustainability and brings people together in a fun, meaningful way,” says Katie Fahlman, Town of Gibbons community builder coordinator.
According to Fahlman, Gibbons’ rural location and its proximity to nearby communities make it a practical destination for short-term visitors. The reach is wide, with shoppers flocking from Bon Accord to Bruderheim, Smoky Lake to Sherwood Park, and Fort Saskatchewan to St. Albert.
On the day, the main street is organized into mapped vendor stalls, and registered households are marked on a second map for visitors, all uploaded on the town’s website. “The atmosphere is lively and full of energy,” Fahlman says. “The town site takes on a vibrant, festival-like feel… (with a) sense of excitement in the air.”
For when that post-shopping hunger hits, there are plenty of food services available. In recent years, offerings have included mini doughnuts, ice cream vendors, lemonade trucks, Jamaican cuisine and hot dogs. The Gibbons Fire Department runs a barbecue and raffle, and the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 226 also serves meals.
Fahlman advises first-time attendees to plan ahead and arrive early, as the best finds tend to go before 10:00 a.m. She recommends bringing cash (as not everyone accepts e-transfer), wearing good walking shoes to cover a lot of ground, and dressing for any weather — as the event runs rain or shine.
The Gibbons Town-Wide Garage Sale is on September 6 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Gibbons, Alberta.
