April 2026 - Laughing Matters, News
April 1, 2026

Friends of the Dunes Gear Sale

Friends of the Dunes hold their annual Get Outside Gear Sale of gently used, tried and true camping, backpacking, surfing and other equipment on Saturday, April 4, at the Humboldt Coastal Nature Center at 220 Stamps Lane in Manila.

Friends members get the first crack at the deals from 11 a.m.-noon, and the sale is open to everyone from noon-3 p.m. Prices on all remaining gears are slashed at 2 p.m.

Proceeds support Friends of the Dunes outdoor education programs and dune stewardship. The donated outdoor gear includes tents, stoves, surfboards, bicycles, hiking boots, kayaks and canoes, backpacks and much more.

More information at 707-444-1397 or infofriendsofthedunes.org.

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