DANBURY—Hundreds of treasures are being collected, sorted and displayed for the annual St. Joseph Tag Sale which gets underway this weekend.
The gigantic tag sale, on hiatus last year due to the pandemic, is much larger than before and couldn’t be contained to just one weekend, so it will be held on the next two weekends.
“I thought people were getting rid of things during the pandemic but it seems they were holding on to things for us,” said Antonia Stalzer, one of the three chairwomen for the event.
“We certainly have a lot more collectibles this year,” she said as she arranged Hummel figurines on one of the display tables.
In addition to the tiny porcelain collectibles, a display of special-edition Disney products were placed adjacent to hundreds of beautiful pieces of framed artwork.
“The prints are the best we’ve ever had,” Stalzer said. A hand-made Indian ink print was among the dozens of prints including landscapes, posters and signs that were donated for the event.
The tag sale is the biggest fundraiser for the church every year and parishioners take pride in making sure the donations are top-notch.
There are brand new blankets and electrical blankets in their original packaging, a massage chair, Yeti wine mugs and even a full set of weights for the fitness enthusiast.
Children’s bicycles, books and glassware are also all waiting for new homes.
“We go through everything to make sure all the parts are here and everything works, if not, it does not go on our tables for sale,” said Leigh Fiorito, who has been volunteering at the tag sale for the past 15 years.
This year, the much-anticipated event is not only an opportunity to help raise money for the church but it’s an opportunity for many parishioners who have been away from the church during the pandemic to gather and see familiar faces and for fellowship.
There are some changes that have been implemented to adhere to pandemic precautions. Tag sale visitors will notice there is a one-way flow to shopping and that the aisles are wider to accommodate for proper social distancing while perusing the tables.
There is a special holiday section filled with Christmas ornaments, wreaths and tableware including Spode.
All items are priced to sell and it’s a great opportunity for children of all ages to shop for themselves or loved ones.
“We’re hoping everybody comes,” Fiorito said. “There is something for everybody here.”
NOTE: The St. Joseph Tag Sale will be held on September 10 & 17 from 10:30 am-2pm, September 11 & 18 from 9:30 am- to 3 pm and September 12 & 19 from 10 am-3pm.
Early birds are welcome this Friday only (9/10/2021) at 9:30 am for a $5 fee.
