Paris Hill Yard Sale Fundraiser Recap
To say this was a success is to be somewhat understated. We had over 28 families participate and many gave generous donations to the Academy Building Fund. To date we have collected roughly $6000. Of that $2500 was a matching donation from a generous donor. Well done everyone!
Originally we said these funds would be for the Academy Building roof, and they will be. We need to repair the metal roof by removing the roof nails and replacing with screws. This will give us perhaps ten years or so to finish funding a full replacement. We also have two interior projects that need doing: sheetrock repair on the stage ceiling around the chimney, and next year, the restoration of the Grand Drape which was painted in 1892. A fuller discussion of our plans will be presented at the Summer BBQ meeting on July 23.
The money is impressive, but it’s not the biggest story. The community effort and the fun we all had selling and talking to people was the best part. Buyers were enthused to be on the hill, some for the very first time. They loved the unique variety and quality of the merchandise and the willingness of sellers to “deal”. There are so many stories about selling or giving away things that someone really wanted. From college kids looking for deals and pretty things to older folks buying items they remembered as children. We seemed to have something for everyone. And everyone loved seeing the old houses and barns up close and looking so fabulous. Paris Hill was a beautiful and happy place on this warm sunny day. The traffic was slow, the walkers were happy.
The crowds started early, and by 1pm almost everyone was sold out. Many of us put left over items out in front of our homes for free and by evening they were nearly gone.
Several neighbors who did not join in this year will do so next year. And here will be a next year. Repeating events are very important in planning how we care for these historic buildings. We urge you to take part in other events this summer.