However, the annual Crockery Bob’s sale drew people from all around Otago.
Convener Fiona Parker said it was the event’s 28th year and her third as convener.
Her daughter Zoe, who was helping serve morning tea this year, had been going along since she was 5 years old, Ms Parker said.
There were definitely treasures to be found in the hall full of sale items. Some had been donated this year, and others had been stored from previous years.
"They just haven’t found the right person yet", she said of the stored goods.
Goods were donated by the community and ranged from furniture and kitchen utensils to fine china and children’s toys.
One table loaded with items had a note on it advising it was also for sale.
"Local people are so kind, so generous", Ms Parker said.
When fossicking for treasure became too much there was the cafe to retreat to.
The bench was laden with home baking made by the Patearoa ladies' group, organised by convener Julie Greig. Their offerings ranged from date and orange scones to carrot cake and a lemon tart, decorated with fresh flowers. Barista coffee was available along with a traditional urn and teabag setup.
Proceeds from the sale were used for community projects, Ms Parker said.
The original Crockery Bob was the first Patearoa store owner Bob McSkimming who was nicknamed in the late 1800s.
Gold miners apparently said they could hear him before they saw him because of his rattling cart.
