Bill Wachspress has never thrown a javelin. That’s why he purchased one for a few dollars Saturday at the annual YART sale in New York School’s gym.

“I’ve thrown long-distance boomerangs but never a javelin,” Wachspress said. “I’m going to try this out.”

Cary Allen and her son Sam, 6, Lawrence, look at decorated switchplates at the annual YART sale, an East Lawrence neighborhood-wide yard sale that featured arts, crafts and live music. The switchplates were made by artist Stacey Van Houten, who participated in the sale Saturday inside New York School's gymnasium.

The javelin was probably one of the more unusual items on sale, but this year’s YART had just about everything: art works, pillows, lamps, vases, books, toys and more — scattered among at least two dozen display tables.

The event, organized by the East Lawrence Neighborhood Assn., is a combination of a neighborhood yard sale and art show; thus the word “YART.” The sale is a benefit for the association and helps pay for various association projects.

Among those projects, for example, is the neighborhood work day, a day when neighborhood volunteers do odd jobs for elderly residents. This year’s project will involve cleaning up sidewalks, especially brick sidewalks.

“They need some neighborly care,” association president Janet Good said of the sidewalks.

Some of the money raised also will be given to New York School, 936 N.Y., Good said.

This was the fourth year for YART, and Chris Sechler, a former resident of the neighborhood, loves the event. She put up for sale items she made, including cutout animal garlands and beads.

“This is one of my favorite shows,” Sechler said. “It’s very laid-back. People are very friendly. It’s just a lot of fun.”

Karl Ramberg, eyes closed beneath the rim of his hat, concentrates on his music as he performs some improvisational jazz pieces on his guitar during the annual YART sale, an East Lawrence neighborhoodwide yard sale with arts, crafts and live music. The sale was Saturday inside the New York School gymnasium.

A procession of musicians also performed during the day, including Alonzo Beardshear, who described his music as eclectic rhythm and blues. Beardshear said he once lived in the East Lawrence neighborhood and two of his children attended New York School.

“These are good people,” Beardshear said. “This is all for the good of the community, and East Lawrence has a great community.”

6News video: YART sale benefits East Lawrence neighborhood

It was not known yet how much money this year’s YART raised.