ENFIELD — The annual Enfield Town Wide Tag Sale is set to return on Saturday, May 16, offering residents and visitors alike a day filled with bargain hunting, community connection and charitable giving.
“This event provides the community a dedicated day each year to host their tag sale,” said Leslie Lawlor, co-founder of the event. “By creating the map and marking each tag sale with signs, sellers are guaranteed traffic to their tag sale address, and shoppers get the benefit of an easy way to find over 100 tag sales all over town.”
The popular event traces its roots back to 2011, when it was launched as a community project by the Parent Leadership Academy Class 6. “The Enfield Town Wide Tag Sale was the community project developed by the Parent Leadership Academy Class 6 in 2011,” Lawlor explained. “PLA is a grant funded program in partnership with Enfield Public Schools and KITE. Each year, the class culminates with a community project prior to graduation. Class 6 chose to develop a townwide tag sale to benefit the Enfield Food Shelf.” Since its inception, the event has raised more than $40,000 for the local food pantry.
Maps play a central role in helping shoppers navigate the many participating homes. “First time visitors can pick up a free copy of the ETWTS Map at either of the town libraries, Allied’s Attic, Angelina’s Restaurant, or the North Central Chamber of Commerce in the days before the tag sale,” Lawlor said. Digital options are also available, including a downloadable version and an interactive Google map. Blue and white signs posted at the tag sale sites further guide shoppers. “Our posted start time is 9 a.m., so we also ask shoppers not to show up before then while sellers are still setting up,” she added.
Organizers encourage sellers to prepare for a successful day by making their setups visible and weather-ready. “Sellers are encouraged to make sure their tag sale sign is easily visible from the road,” Lawlor said. “We hold this event rain or shine, so it might be beneficial to have a tent or an empty garage available in case it rains.”
Beyond the excitement of finding unique items, the event carries a deeper purpose. “The event directly benefits the Enfield Food Shelf since all of the proceeds are donated to them,” Lawlor noted. She also highlighted the environmental benefits, adding that “by recycling, repurposing and reusing items that still have life in them, less items will be thrown away and end up in a landfill.” Sellers are encouraged to donate unsold goods to Allied’s Attic following the sale.
For many, the tag sale has become a cherished tradition. “I love tag sale shopping, so I am typically out shopping all day each year looking for special items and great deals,” Lawlor said. “I have found so many wonderful and useful treasures over the years!”
Now in its 16th year, the event continues to be powered by a small but committed team. “We are a small, but dedicated group of volunteers who all have full-time jobs and still make sure this event happens each year,” Lawlor said. “I think it has become a staple event in town that the residents look forward to each year.”
Looking ahead, organizers hope to sustain and grow the tradition. “I would love to be able to keep it going for many years to come,” Lawlor said, noting that additional volunteers would help expand future efforts.
Residents who missed registration are still welcome to participate informally and are encouraged to support the cause. “I hope they will choose to join us on May 16 and make a donation to the Enfield Food Shelf to help continue their mission to ensure that no Enfield family in need is without food assistance,” Lawlor said.
With bargains, community spirit, and a charitable mission at its core, the Enfield Town Wide Tag Sale promises another successful year.
