Published: June 03, 2009 11:46 pm      

Yard sale expected to draw hundreds

PORTAGE — By KATHY MELLOTT

KMELLOTT@TRIBDEM.COM

Thirteen could be a lucky number for bargain hunters at The Great Portage Yard Sale, which is preparing to celebrate its 13th year.

The event draws hundreds of people to the community and serves as a major fundraiser for the Portage Area Historical Society.

The yard sale will be held June 13, but those wishing to participate must register by Saturday, said John Havrilla, a society member and yard sale chairman.

“The streets are jammed,” Havrilla said.

“They come from Johnstown and Altoona, all over. Last year we gave out 300 to 400 maps.”

Historical society members will spend the week after receiving registrations in developing a map showing the streets and roads in the Portage area and noting the homes, businesses and churches that are participating.

Mary Lou George, a member of the yard sale committee, said the $5 fee to be included on the map helps to fund society activities all year.

“The yard sale is our biggest fundraiser, and besides those participating in the sale, businesses also support us by taking out ads that are published on the yard sale maps,” George said.

Not only does the society profit from the yard sale, but the Portage area likewise benefits, society member Irene Huschak said.

“For the community, it’s wonderful. It brings people in from everywhere,” she said.

The maps are available without charge the day of the event and can be picked up at the Portage Museum on Lee Street, Havrilla said.

In conjunction with the yard sale, the society and the Hammers Street Church of God will sponsor a rummage sale June 18, 19 and 20.

Anyone with leftover yard sale merchandise is being asked to contribute it to the rummage

sale.

Items can be dropped off at

the church at 906 Hammers St. after 3 p.m. the day of the yard sale.

Anything left from that sale will be donated to the Salvation Army, Havrilla said.