The map of the May 2021 Si.lverton Community Yard Sale. Map by Tara DeFalco
At more than 100 homes participating, this weekend’s Silverton Neighborhood Yard Sale is the biggest yet since its creation in 2016.
Traditionally held the third weekend in May, the Silverton area of Toms River fills their yards and driveways with all manner of items for sale – treasures, furniture, clothing, decor, collectibles — and bargains are made.
Silverton resident Tara DeFalco has been organizing the event, which also has a fall version the third week in October, since 2017.
“It first started in 2016 by another Silverton resident. The following year the residents inquired about it again in our community Facebook page, and I stepped up to the plate to help out,” she said.
To further organize the event, there is a Facebook page that has grown to more than 900 members, and that’s where residents can sign up for to participate in the event and where the event map and participating homes list is posted.
However, you could also drive around the Silverton area of Toms River and spot the eye-catching signs directing you to yard sales, and look out for red balloons — DeFalco said participating sites are encouraged to identify themselves by tying a red balloon to their mailbox.
The sale event includes the large network of streets in Silverton as well as Green Island section and lagoonfront areas. Though most of the participating sites are to the east of Hooper Avenue, a couple are on the west side — the area can loosely be defined as between Silver Bay Road and Kettle Creek (see map image of yard sale locations and list in this article’s gallery for the complete list).
Corralling all the moving parts really starts to take shape in the week’s ahead of the twice-annual event, DeFalco said, when she opens registration to her neighbors.
“It started out as 30 homes and has grown leaps and bounds to over 100 homes participating. As a working wife and mom of 3 kids, it takes about two days to create the map, list, hang posters, advertise on social media and websites. I have learned to have a set date that will be easily remember. For instance Spring will be the 3rd weekend in May and Fall yard sale will be the 3rd weekend in October which led me to have professional poster created to display at the beginning of the month to make others aware of the date,” she said.
Whether you are selling in order to downsize some possessions and make some quick sales, or are a buyer looking for deals or an elusive item, there’s a lot going on throughout the neighborhood not just because of the 100-plus homes involved but with all the foot and vehicle traffic going from site to site.
There’s also the differences of having such an event during a pandemic. “Last year we couldn’t plan for May as the uncertainty of the guidelines, and instead we hosted one in July,” said DeFalco.
Additionally, the time so many have spent at home has had an impact, she added. “Many resident were ready for the sale as they have been at home going through their belongings and ready to create more space in their homes.”
Though it takes up her time it is still a labor of love for DeFalco, an effort that shows the heart of her neighborhood and its ability to plan together even though the area is a large section of Toms River.
“I’m a helper and will help in any way possible, if it means to create a yard sale for the community, I will certainly do it,” she said. “Plus I love Silverton and want to give our community a gathering for our residents.”
Good tips for shoppers? DeFalco said no earlybirds, please. The event is 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday May 15 and Sunday May 16.
“Please arrive at start of time, be safe and enjoy our community!”
For updates on the event, check out the Facebook group event page.
Map list for May 2021 Silverton Community Yard Sale
