FAQ for Shoppers

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FAQ for Shoppers *

How are items priced?

This is the most attractive part of ThriftFest! All items for sale in the parking lot and surrounding areas are only $5 or less! This is the ultimate thrifting experience!

What is the cost of tickets?

General admission can shop from 10am to 2pm, and those tickets are $3 for everyone 12+ years old.

If you want to be in the VIP shopping experience and be able to shop the lot 30 minutes before general admission begins (so your entrance is 9:30am), those tickets are $6.

Can I bring my children?

Yes, but we don’t allow strollers or wagons. Simply put, there are too many people in a tight space. We would encourage you to leave the kids at home and enjoy a carefree day!

Can I bring My Pet?

No. Trained service animals are allowed by federal law. Emotional Support Animals are permitted in housing but do not have the same protections as service animals. With this many people, we need to reduce the amount of things (or animals) that folks can trip over.

How Can I Pay?

Think of this as a huge, multi-family garage sale in a parking lot and sidewalk. Plan on bringing cash (small bills, please) to pay each vendor separately. Some vendors will accept electronic payments, but most do not.

Why Do I pay a gate fee?

This event is very costly to run in terms of advertising, police security, labor, website and payment processing, etc. Putting this event on would not be possible without the support of gate fees.

is there a bad weather plan?

Yes. In the case of severe weather (snow, heavy rains), we will host the event on the following Saturday, March 21.

ARE TICKETS TRANSFERABLE OR REFUNDABLE?

While we are working on a solution to this, we are currently unable to offer it.

Are restroom facilities on site?

Yes! We learned in 2025 that relying on The Ark’s restroom was not sufficient for the number of people we had. We will bring in restroom facilities for folks to use.

Are there any complimentary services?

Absolutely! We provide coffee, hot chocolate, fresh popcorn, and bottled water free of charge. We want you to be comfortable while you shop!

Is there anything not allowed?

We do not allow strollers or wagons. People are not allowed to smoke or vape in the sales areas. This is a sober event. We do not allow open carrying of firearms. We have multiple McPherson Police Department officers ready to keep us safe.