South Loop yard sale turns Dearborn Park into community marketplace in Chicago

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Twice a year, the South Loop Neighbors organization transforms Dearborn Park into a hyperlocal marketplace, proving that some of the best environmental solutions start right on the block. The much-anticipated community yard sale draws crowds of people from the neighborhood and beyond.

"I got these leaves on a vine, and they would be perfect for the little hideout in my house," said Helen Shih. "But I'm actually here for a butter dish."

Shih negotiated the leaves down to $1 from Paola Carrera. Carrera has had a stand at the yard sale for several years and said it is a great way to clear clutter from her home.

"A lot of it is secondhand or stuff I bought, wore a few times, and it's time for it to go to another home," said Carrera.

Shih did not find that butter dish, but she scored a string of fake flowers to pair with her leaves on a vine. Armed with two grocery bags, she said she planned to ride it all home on her scooter - shipping- and emissions-free.

"I don't mind other people's things they're willing to let go of," Shih said. "I've been in their shoes where I was like, 'I love this, but it no longer has a place in my house,' but I don't want it to go to a landfill."

Meanwhile, 19-year-old Sabine Manuc and her siblings are selling their collection of "Harry Potter"-themed toys and books. The self-proclaimed "city kids" said it is hard to have a traditional yard sale, so this is a great way to give back to their community.

"People who buy the items can find a new use for them and enjoy the books that we've enjoyed in the past," said Manuc. She said any money earned will go into their savings.

Liz Gutierrez said she stopped by after a yoga class and is now heading home with a pair of shorts and earrings.

"I'm definitely a thrifter, and typically that's my route - not buying new," said Gutierrez. "It allows us to be more sustainable, and we have a ton of things already, so why not exchange or sell with each other? It just makes more sense."

But not everything is secondhand at the event. Some sellers have original works of art on display, and others, like longtime Printers Row resident Tom Feddor, grew their items.

"During COVID, I got into plants. And then I started sharing houseplants with friends, and I had so many I started to sell them," Feddor said.

He arranged dozens of small- to medium-sized plants along the park steps. Feddor said he brought about a quarter of his supply.

"I'm local. You're supporting a person who's lived here for a long time - someone putting time, effort, and heart and soul into a hobby they're turning into a business," Feddor said.

But as people hunt for gently used gems, this yard sale is all about building community.

"I think it's great for neighbors. Everyone comes out. Especially here in the South Loop, with all the high-rises, it's hard to connect with people," said Gutierrez.

"This is all stuff that I had pulled out of my kitchen, garage, and closet that I just don't wear or use anymore. But it's all really, really great stuff," said Jennifer Pottebaum. "And it stays local in the community, so you don't have to ship it overseas or anywhere else. Someone else in your community who loves something as much as you do will now get to use it themselves."

Neighbors won't have to wait long to keep the cycle going. The next South Loop Neighbors yard sale is scheduled to return to Dearborn Park this September.