When we moved to the top of this mountain, I had no idea that we would be just off the route of the 127 Corridor Sale, better known as The World’s Longest Yard Sale.
The sale starts in Gadsden, Alabama and now extends all the way to Hudson, Michigan. Ohio and Michigan are relatively new to the sale according to the sale’s official website. In fact, I don’t remember Michigan being included last year.
According to the official brochure, I do not off of the official route. However, according to the traffic that passes through our little community, many people either miss where the official state route turns off or the choose to take the straighter state route instead.
Thanks in part to my neighbors having yard sales on Saturday as well, we were able to get traffic to our yard last year with just balloons and a sign despite the fact that we are a half a mile back on a county road.
I did not make much money, but I had fun despite the heat. I sold items to many locals, but I also sold stuff to (or at least met) people from Michigan to Indiana to Texas.
I met people who save and plan all year to make this trip. While for some it was a business venture, most were friends, sisters or other family who made it a fun, adventure every year or at least last year.
Many come prepared with their own box, bags, and even bubble wrap. They tote their own water and snacks. They have their routes planned. They have done their research and are prepared to negotiate. A couple who were doing this for the first time said they researched online before starting out so they would have a better time.
The web is full of tips, news stories, forums, and I even found a dedicated blog about this sale.
Although the sale starts on Thursday, many of my neighbors only participate on Friday and Saturday. In fact, many (myself included) only participate on Saturday. Sure, we are located fairly close to one end of the route and I know we miss quite a few of the travelers, but to many of us this is just our annual yard sale.
If you like yard sales, it is worth checking out if you live within easy driving distance to some part of the sale. I really do not think it is worth flying from California and renting a car just to participate. . .yes, someone posted on a forum that she did just that a couple of years ago.
