Juli Haugen was driving along Route 27 from Brunswick Saturday morning to visit her mother when she saw a sign. It was for the Boothbay American Legion Yard Sale on Boothbay Common from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., so she delayed her planned visit. 

During her unplanned stop, Haugen bought a tea set, brass planter and a cheese dome. "I didn't know it was happening until I saw the sign. So I decided to stop, and see what they had," she said.

This is the seventh year Boothbay American Legion Post 36 has hosted a yard sale. This is the third consecutive year Cathy Moroney served as the chief organizer. She moved to Boothbay seven years ago, and later joined the local American Legion. Moroney served in the U.S. Army from 1986 to 1993 with four years of active service and four years in the reserves.

She now serves as the Post 36 corporation president and Post 36 treasurer. Last year, the yard sale raised over $3,000. Moroney enjoys her time organizing the yard sale and selling merchandise. "I really like coming here and meeting people in the community," she said. "We also raise money for community projects, and I think it's great we sell furniture to people who probably couldn't ordinarily afford to buy it."

This year, the yard sale with an abundance of donated "treasures" which included furniture, knick-knacks, dishes and toys, had another strong earning performance, raising $3,066, according to Post 36 volunteer Chris Goodwin of East Boothbay.

Each year, Post 36 collects donated items for its yard sale. This year, a special donation was received from the former Slick's Boutique co-owner, Andy Bielli, who donated most of the contents of her local apartment to this year's yard sale.

"She contacted us after seeing our flyer," Moroney said. "She donated a lot of great stuff, and we're happy she decided to let us have it."

According to Moroney, the major auction item was a dining table set from Bielli's apartment which yard sale officials priced at $250.

Amanda Andrews is a frequent participant at the annual yard sale. On Saturday, she bought a beach chair, knick-knacks, toys for her grandson and cookware. "I stopped by to check it out, and support a good cause," she said. 

While shopping, Andrews was assisted by Goodwin. This is the fourth time he has volunteered. "I really enjoy helping out. I like meeting the people, and working for a good cause," he said.

While Andrews and Goodwin have participated in several yard sales, Christopher Desjardins attended his first Post 36 American Legion Yard Sale. Desjardins is from Burlington, Vermont. He is visiting his brother and had some free time. So he brought his son to Boothbay Common.

Desjardins' and his son's, Huckleberry, first stop was at a big basket of toys. "I like that they are cars, and I like Hot Wheels," Huckleberry Desjardins said.

At the conclusion of each yard sale, Legion officials donate items to local thrift shops.