Archive: Opinions

There are numerous events and activities that define aspects of a community.  The schools play a big role.  Musical groups, clubs, and sports teams provide opportunities to witness firsthand the talents of our children and the pride they possess. 

Our local government and civic groups offer their time and talents as well to our community.  From the Lansing Harbor Fest and Casino Night to chicken barbeques and pancake breakfasts, organizations spend countless hours ensuring that our community remains one of the best places to live, work, and recreate in all of Tompkins County.

One small event, often overlooked by some, is the annual Route 34 B Yard Sale.  This unique venue features residents who live along the route selling items that they hope others can use.  Imagine, if you can, a yard sale stretching from Rt. 38 in Groton, winding its way through parts of Dryden, crossing Rt. 34, and continuing its journey through Lansing, King Ferry, Ledyard, Poplar Ridge, Sherwood, Scipioville, Mapleton, finally reaching Fleming, a small hamlet just south of Auburn.  That is a lot of territory-some 36 miles. 

The route is shaped like a giant upside down question mark.  Which brings up an excellent point?  Why participate in such an event?   To discover the answer to this question, we must being with the simple fact that the event is very popular. People from all over the region wait for this day hoping to bring home that one item they absolutely cannot live without.  Like adventure seekers on safari, these modern day hunters carefully plot out the route, taking note of special places that have been successful hunting grounds in years past, and spend hours chatting with those whom they have gotten to know up and down the trail.

And their efforts are not in vain.  You can really find a bargain on just about anything you need, think you need or hope to store in your garage until next year’s sale.  My family and I decided to put out a few items-an old lawnmower, two sets of snow tires, old DVDs and videos.  During the event, we met some of the nicest individuals and couples.  Some were long-time residents who limited their purchases to items under one dollar.  Others, like the couple from Mississippi, were in search of knick-knacks and antiques and were willing to spend ten or twenty dollars at our sale.

Like many others, we too went in search of treasures waiting to be discovered.  With all the skill and emotional control of children on Christmas morning, my wife and I tracked and captured a host of “must haves”.  Within an hour, we had filled our Honda Element with items that we actually needed.   Perhaps the pair of size 8 roller blades was a bit excessive, but for two dollars we could not let that one get away. 

By the end of the day, free piles could be spotted all along Rt. 34 B.  Cars, vans, and trucks slowed down and scanned the piles hoping to find trinkets and gifts that had been overlooked.  As the sun began to set, I carefully placed the two maple wingback chairs, which we had purchased for a fabulous price at an antique store in Sherwood, into the shed with a plan to restore them this weekend.  Sometimes, the thrill of the hunt is all you need.  And that is to the point. 

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