By Kelsey Vickers, Messenger Intern

This weekend, various businesses in Pike County will be taking part in the World’s Widest Yard Sale for the first time.

The event will be held over May 31 through June 2, and will span more than 300 miles.

Kathleen Sauer, president of the Troy Chamber of Commerce, said there have been statewide and local preparations for this event and she is looking forward to it taking place.

“There has been tremendous effort by the state and also our local participants,” she said.

Sauer said that although this is the second year the World’s Widest Yard Sale has taken place, this is the first year that Pike County has been involved.

Sauer said that most vendors will be setting up early in the morning and will be open until the evening.

If anyone is interested in participating as a vendor, it is not too late to sign up. Sauer said that anyone interested should feel free to call the sites participating and ask. However, some spots may require a fee.

This event is sponsored by the Alabama Rural Development Office and will include vendors located at six different locations in Troy.

The Pioneer Museum of Alabama, located on Highway 231, has 10 vendors currently involved and is still accepting more, according to Kari Barley.

“It costs $10 per vendor, and $15 if your booth requires electricity,” she said.

Lee’s Antiques, also located on Highway 231, has eight vendors for the sale.

“Vendors will have furniture, silverware, bedding, clothes, and shoes, among other things,” said Shirley Lee, owner of the store.

Also involved is the Troy Shrine Club Flea Market, who will have roughly 25 vendors selling everything from antiques to vegetables, according to Lisa Knotts.

Among the participating businesses are also Jinright’s Hillside Antiques, Adam’s Glass Studio, and the Pioneer Village.

“The chamber thanks the vendors for participating in this first year for Pike County,” Sauer said. “We hope that this will be the start of a great yard sale tradition. Next year’s date has already been set.”

For more information, visit widestyardsale.com.