Imagine witnessing an entire city transformed into one giant marketplace. On Saturday, July 19, 2025, that is exactly what Belleville hopes to achieve as residents across the city will roll up their garage doors, set up tables, and take part in the Belleville Yardsale — a one-day community event aiming to break the record for the World’s Biggest Yard Sale.
· The city-wide event invites individuals, families, and businesses to host their own yard sales simultaneously, creating a treasure-hunting extravaganza for locals and visitors alike. Three hundred
participants have already registered and been added to the interactive map at www.bellevilleyardsale.ca,
and numbers are expected to jump as the event draws near.
“There are 23 535 households in this city. I’m expecting about 99.9 percent of those to get involved,” says lead organizer and local comedian Kyle Woolven (Kyle For Mayor), “I can’t because I’ll be busy that day.”
The comedian is no stranger to large public stunts. And as someone who once held a real wedding
ceremony in an attempt to legally marry the City of Belleville, Woolven knows that this event is special:
“This is more than just a yard sale. It’s about bringing people together, supporting our
community, and hopefully finding myself a cool used pair of Converse All-stars — plus, we’re
raising money for a great cause.”
Proceeds from registration and related activities will support the United Way Hastings & Prince Edward, helping to fund vital local programs and services. One hundred percent of the proceeds stay local, directlysupporting the city’s most vulnerable residents.
Following the State of Emergency declared in Belleville last year, the city is embracing the Belleville
Yardsale as a symbol of renewal, resilience, and community pride. The event offers residents a way to
reconnect, rebuild local spirit, and show the strength of a city that has come together through adversity.
“A world record would be incredible,” states Dug Stevenson, the executive director of the Bay of
Quinte Regional Marketing Board, “but the true value lies in the community spirit.”
“Seeing an entire city come together, businesses and individuals, all for a unified purpose is truly
inspiring.”
The event emphasizes accessibility, sustainability, and economic recovery, with a goal of attracting
thousands of visitors to the city.
“This event is for absolutely everyone,” says Stevenson. “The more people who join in, the
stronger the sense of community — and the bigger the ripple effect.”
So if you’re looking for a chance to score the deal of the year — or just want to support a good cause,
take a Saturday morning drive to Belleville for the World’s Biggest Yard Sale on July 19th.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
