CANFIELD — The annual Angels for Animals Gigantic Garage Sale for 2021 is almost here, but a lot of work already has been happening behind the scenes.

Items are coming in, being priced and arranged for the thousands of customers who will flock to the fairgrounds Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The sale has come a long way since it began 27 years ago.

“I remember our first garage sale was at a volunteer’s house,ã said Susie Cope, who co-manages the Antiques and Uniques building with Denise Miller during the sale. “This is my 25th year as a volunteer.”

Founder Diane Less started the shelter in her barn, and moved it to a renovated chicken coop. Angels for Animals was incorporated in 1990 and Cope first got involved when it was in the coop.

Less said the sale grew like the shelter and today it is a key fundraiser.

“Last year, we brought in $154,000 in three days,” Less said. “Of that, our net profit was $125,000.”

She said the overhead goes to leasing the barns at the fairgrounds, covering expenses and security, and renting tables that are needed to fill the buildings.

“We are renting 660 tables this year for eight buildings,” Cope said. “Earlier this week we had a professional moving company come in and make five trips to bring items from storage to the fairgrounds for this sale.”

Read more about this weekend’s event in Monday’s Vindicator.