It was a mad dash Saturday morning as crowds gathered at Coupeville Middle School to claim treasures at the annual Coupeville Lions Garage Sale.

As the clock struck 9 a.m., a horn sounded and the frenzy began.

Lion Molly Hughes, who worked the check-out station, said each year she clocks how long it takes for her first sale.

It’s usually mere seconds, she said, and this year was no different.

A gentleman came to pay for some tools within 19 seconds of the start of the sale.

Items, which were spread out across the school campus, were snatched up left and right.

Some stood guard over wanted items while others lurked nearby, waiting to see if they could swoop in for the sale.

The Lions garage sale takes year-long planning and 10 days of setting up. Items are carefully organized and placed by category.

Couches and recliners filled the covered play shed, while other furniture lined the perimeter of the school. People rummaged through hoards of plastic storage containers, books, kitchen items and much more.

Donna Brown, who manages the sewing machines, started with around 10 for sale. By Saturday afternoon, she was down to one.

Rain didn’t keep bargain hunters at bay either.

While it rained both days, by Saturday afternoon, roughly half of the sale items were gone.

Items left Sunday were marked down to half price. Any remaining items were donated.

All proceeds from the sale go back into the Lions’ charitable project in the community.