By Tom Latek
Kentucky Today
A yard sale aficionado’s dream comes true later this week, with the 400 Mile Sale, taking place along the entire length of U. S. 68 in Kentucky, Thursday through Sunday.
400 Mile Sale spokesperson Debby Spencer said the sale started 14 years ago in hopes of enticing people to get off the interstates and parkways: “It was hoped that people would shop in the many antique stores and novelty shops along the route, eat at the locally owned restaurants and stop at multiple yard sales set up along Historic Hwy 68 Scenic Byway, hopefully, enticing people to rediscover these treasured communities and all they had to offer.”
Then, she says, more and more residents along the way got involved.
“There is a church near Russellville that sets up every year to raise money for their youth to go to church camp. Last year a family near Paris was raising money to adopt a baby. A school near Benton raises money each year for building improvements and supplies. One family was raising funds to donate to the McDonald House that gave them lodging while their small son had open heart surgery.”
Near Rockfield, the Boy Scouts set up a food truck to raise money for their troop. There are also numerous civic-oriented groups setting up yard sales to pay for band uniforms, football camps and more.
“One never knows what treasures one might find and friends one will make on the 4-Day Sale,” Spencer said. You can even make a side trip to Paris, Tennessee, which is actually on U. S. 641 but still participates in the 400-Mile Sale.
Wes Watt with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet warns people to be cautious when driving on U.S. 68 during the 400 Mile Sale.
“Slower traffic, distracted driving, increase in pedestrians, sight distance limitations and unusual parking conditions are some of the challenges motorists will face,” he said.
“Drivers should slow down and be on the lookout for pedestrians, especially children. Just like in a construction zone, pay close attention when traveling through an area where multiple yard sales are taking place. Don’t allow electronic devices to be a distraction,” Watt said.
To find out more information, including a full map of the route, along with a listing of hundreds of sale sites, go to www.400mile.com .