By Jeff Pederson
for The Beacon

For the 32^nd consecutive year, the St. Paul Lutheran Church Friends Club is set to host its annual Trash ‘N Treasure Rummage Sale on Saturday, Sept. 21, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Sheboygan Falls.

After moving the popular sale from its usual date on the first Saturday in November to the second week of September last year, Trash ‘N Treasure Co-Founder and Chairperson Lorrie Wilson, who is known to many as the “Trash Queen,” is hoping that this year’s early fall date on the third Saturday in September will serve as a jump-start to the area rummage sale and holiday shopping season.

This year’s 32^nd annual Trash ‘N Treasure Sale will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21.

In 1988, Wilson and her friend, Evy Hoegger, developed the idea for the sale as a way to support St. Paul Friends Club mission outreach projects.

From humble beginnings featuring a collection of sale items comprising just one-room, the sale has evolved to fill more than 13 rooms and and an outside sales area at St Paul Lutheran Church.

“When Evy and I started talking about the possibility of holding a rummage sale, we had no idea that 32 years later, it would grow into such a large event,” Wilson said. “Over the years, more classrooms were added and now it is known as Sheboygan County’s largest rummage sale.”

As always, Wilson is excited about what is in store when the doors open on this year’s Trash ‘N Treasure Sale.

“We are anticipating approximately 300 shoppers will be standing in line for the doors to open to this year’s sale, just like they have in years past,” Wilson said. “The shoppers will be greeted by outdoor sale items displayed on the lawn near the main entrance, including lawn chairs, lawn mowers and yard art among the items that will likely be for sale.”

Inside the church, the large fellowship hall will transform into the “General Store” room, displaying all types of household items, including glassware, small appliances, luggage, lamps and holiday items.

A corner of the “General Store” room will be dedicated to antiques and collectibles with many great buys available for the collector.

The classrooms around the education wing of the church will feature the “Off the Wall” and “On the Table” rooms, which will contain items that can be used to display and decorate inside homes, including frames, shelves, clocks, pictures, figurines and art objects.

The “Jewelry Chest” room will showcase earrings, necklaces, watches and rings at reasonable prices.

For the avid reader or puzzle lover, there is the “Bookworm” room where paperback books are in high demand, as well as coffee table book volumes, puzzles and boxed games. Music lovers will also find a selection of CDs, tapes and tapes.

Men also have plenty to look forward to in the “Sports Locker” and “Handyman” room, while the “Crafty Lady” is always a popular stop for do-it-yourselfers.

Another large room at this year’s sale is the “Furniture Showroom,” which debuted last year.

“Last year we introduced the ‘Furniture Showroom,’ which was very well liked,” Wilson said. “We hope to fill the room with couches, tables, lamps, chests, shelving units and all types of chairs.”

Kids will enjoy visiting the “Toy Chest” room to find a toy they don’t have as there promises to be a wide variety of toys to choose room throughout the day.

In addition, the “Cedar Chest” will feature a wide selection of bedding, curtains, carpets, pillows and much more at bargain prices.

For those looking to get an early start on the holiday season, the “Holly Room” is a must-see.

“The ‘Holly Room’ is a beautiful stop along the way,” Wilson said. “The ‘Holly Room’ is filled with Christmas items to decorate the season. From snowmen to angels, reindeer to sleds, Santas to manger scenes, or trees to wreaths, there is so much to be had for the holiday shopper.”

A special sale will be offered at 2:30 p.m. for the bargain shopper as grocery carts can be filled with as much merchandise as possible for $10 and/or a brown grocery cart can be filled for $3.

Any remaining items after the sale is complete are donated to Neat Repeats in Plymouth, which in turn donate their profits to support Sheboygan Lutheran High School.

In addition, a will call area is available until 2 p.m. for shoppers who want to continue shopping and have their early selections set aside.

The Ladies Auxiliary of St. Paul will be holding a bake sale in conjunction with the rummage sale.

In addition, a brat fry, featuring brats, hamburgers, chicken breasts and hot dogs will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. with takeouts available.

The St. Paul Friends Club has sponsored the sale since its beginning in 1988. Profits from the sale over the years have gone to support various mission projects in the area.

This year proceeds from the sale will be used to support the St. Paul Lutheran Church Early Childhood Center.

“The sale is assembled by church volunteers, who sort, price and display all the merchandise,” Wilson said. “All of the proceeds will go to support the Early Childhood Center at St. Paul’s this year, which is a very worthy cause.”

Community members are invited to donate items to the sale by dropping them off at St. Paul Lutheran Church on Thursday, Sept. 19 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday, Sept. 20 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

No baby furniture, car seats, paint, tires, large appliances or clothing will be accepted.

“Whether a shopper is looking for a book by their favorite author, a picture to hang or new holiday trim, there will be certainly something for everyone at this year’s Trash ‘N Treasure Sale,” Wilson said. St. Paul Lutheran Church is located at 730 County Road PPP in Sheboygan Falls.