The World’s Widest Yard Sale won’t map its way through Pike County Friday and Saturday. However, the county could benefit when motorists veer off Historic US Highway 80 into the Black Belt Region of the state, said Kathy Sauer, Pike County Chamber of Commerce president.
“The World’s Widest Yard Sale goes from Texas to Georgia and includes Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama,” Sauer said.
“The Black Belt counties of Alabama are a part of the tour because they are rural communities. Pike County is included in the Black Belt Region because of its agricultural history and, too, we are a rural county.”
Sauer said the World’s Widest Yard Sale is now the Historic US 80 Hi-Way Sale and that adds a different element of interest to the yard sale.
“Not only does it attract people whose interests are antiques, collectibles and junk, it also attracts those who are interested in history and those just like to roam the backloads of our country,” she said.
“Pike County has beautiful scenery and interesting places to shop and a lot businesses and individuals will take advantage of this ‘widest” yard sale.”
Sauer said the World Largest Yard Sale is also a good time for Pike Countians to get out, enjoy driving around the countryside and scouting for items of interest.
“This is a good time to turn someone’s trash into a treasure,” she said.
“And, it’s good time of clean out your attic or garage and make a few dollars. Just find a place to set up and take advantage of the opportunity.”
Local businesses that will participate in the World’s Widest Yard Sale include Pioneer Village, Lee’s Antiques and Stuff, Troy Shrine Club Flea Market, Adams Glass, Jinright’s Hillside Antiques and Pickin’ and Grinnin’ Antiques and Variety Store, all on U.S. Highway 231. Downtown Troy businesses that are participating are Troy Antiques, Sav-A-Life and Troy Treasures. Second Chance Flea Market in Luverne is also participating.
Places to visit along the way are the Pioneer Museum of Alabama, Conecuh River Depot Military Museum and Johnson Center for the Arts in Troy and studio 116 in downtown Brundidge.