VALDOSTA — Bargain hunters filled the Lowndes Civic Center Saturday in search of great deals on a wide array of items during The Valdosta Daily Times Spring Cleaning Yard Sale.

As doors opened at 7 a.m., an eager group of wide-eyed shoppers flooded into the civic center to get the first picks of vendors’ items. As the day continued, even late shoppers found great bargains while browsing over the tables set up throughout the facility.

In addition to clothes, CDs, books and figurines, the most interesting of things could be found in the hands of shoppers, from colorful ironing boards to jester hats. Larger merchandise included big picture frames and even a Body By Jake Ab Scissors workout bench.

Among shoppers was Betty Lammons, who has come to all but one Times yard sale in the past. Lammons held on tight to some bed linens and pillows while looking through some clothes and collectibles.

“I always put a little money aside for the event and I usually make a list of some things I need for the house,” Lammons said.

A booth run by Melissa Carter and her daughter Aldine was immediately noticed when entering the center. The duo sold nearly half of their merchandise during the first two hours of operation and featured a reasonable bargain of $1 per item.

“Although the bulk of our merchandise was clothes for young girls, business has been great today,” Carter said. “This is our first time participating in the yard sale, but we definitely look forward to next year’s event.”

Deidra Stacks reported similar results at her booth, which mainly held children’s clothes.

“Considering the weather, business has been good and quite steady,” Stacks said.

Avon Representative Jean Benjamin and her nephew, Shawvon Merriweather featured bath and body Avon products, which catered more to adults. Benjamin, who has participated in previous yard sales mentioned that the event has helped her boost sales and clients.

Other vendors included Lecha and Betty Kimbro, as well as members of Lowndes County 4-H. 4-H members included Ashleigh Stevens, Hank Davis and Victoria Henley. The members, who are participating in Relay for Life, said that the funds raised from the yard sale would be donated to the American Cancer Society.

To help buyers regain their energy after strenuous hours of shopping, meals were provided by Sam’s Barbecue.

According to the Times’ advertising director, Julie Killion, dreary weather did not affect the turnout Saturday. Jan Chaney of classified sales added that almost all of the vendors sold out before the day’s end.

“Considering the cool wind, the turnout has been steady since the doors opened,” Killion said. “We had 83 vendors and approximately 600 people have come through to shop. Hosting this event is a great way for us to bring the community together and next year, we hope to expand with even more vendors.”