Rather than an anachronism, vinyl collectors and other purveyors of memorabilia from past generations are a thing of the times. After the Ulster County Habitat for Humanity ReStore’s first successful rendition of “Records at the ReStore” this past April, they’re bringing it back next weekend, just in time for some early holiday season gift planning.

The layout of the event brings in both locals and professionals selling their collections as well as a selection from the ReStore’s stock of records. Each vendor pays $50 for a table, which directly benefits the nonprofit’s mission to create more local affordable housing. In addition, some of the vendors are also donating a portion of their proceeds to this mission as well.

Kingston Wire spoke to Donna Verteramo, Ulster County Habitat for Humanity’s Development and Volunteer Manager, who said that the event is about “getting the message out about what we do” and doing so in a lively environment geared around a love of both music and how it sounds in analog.

While the ReStore focuses on selling used furniture and home goods with the proceeds benefitting Habitat, the nonprofit as a whole “builds homes for people that feel they’ve been priced out of the market in Ulster County,” Verteramo said. “We meet folks where they’re at.”

This advocacy has been going on since 1996, and in order to keep their purpose alive and make people aware that they may be able to qualify to buy a home from them, Records at the ReStore is a way to engage with people looking for a fun way to spend their afternoon on their potential as a homeowner in a region marred by housing insecurity and instability.

“The undercurrent of the event is about getting folks into affordable homes to answer the crisis in Ulster County. Why not do it and have a little fun?” Verteramo said.

Since its founding in the late 1990s, the organization has built 25 homes in Ulster County, and their plan for the next two years is to build 13 more. Through successful fundraising efforts due in part by the ReStore, they have been able to generate the funds needed to build homes for local families looking to take root in the area while also giving furniture and other homeware a new life far from landfills.

The current vendor list is around eight individuals, most private collectors, who will be selling records at a range in price points. Event organizers also made sure to include live DJs who will be spinning records throughout the event — including records purchased from attendees who are eager to hear their music live. Every other record that is being played by the DJs will also be available to purchase.

98.1 FM WKZE will be broadcasting the entire event for radio listeners as well. Andy Gladding, co-owner and chief engineer at the station, said that “at WKZE, celebrating musical diversity means bringing people together through shared musical experiences. Records at the ReStore captures that same spirit of community, connecting music lovers, local businesses, and neighbors while supporting the important work of Ulster County Habitat for Humanity.” They say they’re proud to be a part of the event.

Local record label and promotions group DCxPC is a promotional sponsor for the event and will also be on site selling their vinyl collection of punk rock anthems.

If you are interested in vending, there may still be space to include you in the mix. Reach out to restoremanager@ulsterhabitat.org or 845-853-7499, ext. 100 to learn more.

Records at the ReStore will take place on Saturday, Nov. 14 from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at 406 Route 28 in Kingston. There is no admission fee, but consider donating to Habitat for Humanity’s mission if you have the means to do so.