There’s a big swap meet planned in Orem this weekend – with no price tags on the merchandise. Anyone can show up and take what they like for free.
Sarah Bateman says the idea of something like a free yard sale occurred to her several years ago as she was driving to a local thrift store with a donation. She says the thrift stores are important, but she also enjoys seeing friends and strangers show up with toys and clothes and even furniture for what she calls the “Community Free SWAP.” A similar event last fall drew about 300 people, and with good weather, she’s hoping for 800 or more this Saturday.
“A lot of volume comes through all throughout the morning," Bateman tells KUER, "but it gets taken so quickly that it’s hard to get a glimpse of it all. We’re hoping to get a time-lapse video done of this upcoming event so we can get a glimpse of really how much comes and goes.”
Bateman says the concept is similar tofreecycling, where people use social media to trade items they no longer use.
The Free SWAP runs from 8 a.m. to noon at Orem City Center Park. The Orem Community Church will take anything that’s left over and distribute it through other charities.
More information about the Community Free SWAP on Sarah Bateman's blog