Pictured above: “Fire” performed live at the Cottam Yard Sales event this year.
by Garrett Fodor
This past weekend, treasure hunters and entrepreneurs of all ages flocked to Cottam to participate in the annual community yard sale.
This annual events give many residents of the neighbourhood the chance to set up shop to sell gently used items, while hundreds of bargain hunters wander from sale-to-sale. In addition to some residents selling no longer needed items, after cleaning out basements and attics, some sales were used as fundraisers for a better cause.
One of the most successful sales was put on by the Essex Energizers Skipping team. Members of this group fundraised in order to send 25 of their 34-member team to the “World Jump Rope Competition,” where athletes from all over the world converge to showcase their abilities. Taking 25 members of the team to this event is the most the organization have taken in recent memory. This year’s edition will be held in Florida, while in 2016, it was held in Portugal.
“The sale was a great success. We raised approximately $1,500,” Jenna Gendreau, President of the Energizers said. “All items were donated by the team’s families and many parents and coaches volunteered their time to help run it. The idea itself came from our coach.”
This year marks the 27th year the Essex Energizers will compete, with hope for much success at the Worlds tournament and to have members qualify for the Grands, which is the highest level of competition.
New to this year’s edition of the Cottam Yard Sale was a live performance. “Fire,” is an original rock band from Essex, formed by Jarred Porter, Adam McClellan, and Andrew Weins. The group performed for several hours to passerby and onlookers.
Porter, the bands drummer and vocalist, said he was grateful to have the opportunity to perform. He was happy to share and perform his music to all of those in attendance.