Thousands of people descended on the tiny town of St. Regis over Memorial weekend to attend the “Montana’s largest garage sale,” according to the event flyers. This was the 40th Annual Memorial Day Flea Market and cars and trucks from Montana, Washington, and Idaho lined the roads and packed local parking lots.

People strolled around the community park filled with tents, campers, and tables set up by over 180 vendors.

“It’s the largest outdoor market in the state,” said organizer Anita Bailey, “Each vendor rents a spot in the park to set up a table, with the money raised benefiting the St. Regis Community Council, which puts on concerts, plays and other community events throughout the year. St. Regis also hosts a smaller flea market during the third weekend in August.”

Around 5,000 shoppers show up, some arrive in campers and RVs and spend the whole weekend. With vendors who are from all over the region including western Montana, as well as Billings, Spokane, and Idaho.

Beth Hansen, who is a self-proclaimed garage sale junkie, was standing near a table full of antiques.

“I just love garage sales,” she said, carrying two large bags full of treasures she’d found. “I collect dolls, and I do a lot of my Christmas shopping while I’m here.”

“I’m just along for the ride,” laughed her sister, Joanne, who explained that they had driven over that morning from Coeur d’alene, Idaho. They said that they come over every year and, “it’s just a lot of fun,” said Beth.

“And an excuse for a road trip,” said Joanne.

Everything imaginable seemed to be found at the market, from antiques, toys, jewelry, furs, tools, and much more. However, one of the most popular items seemed to be Kettle Korn. Almost everybody was carrying around a bag of the tasty, sweet kernels, and munched on it as they strolled around the grounds.