The 127 Yard Sale, the world’s longest yard sale, returns for its 29th year this week.
Fentress County Chamber Executive Director Jacob Rosenbaum said the 695 mile yard sale is headquartered in Fentress County. Rosenbaum said the idea came from a former County Mayor in the mid 90’s.
“Fentress County Executive Mike Walker got together with various other community leaders along the Highway 127 corridor, and pitched the idea of putting on the world’s longest continuous yard sale,” Rosenbaum said.
Rosenbaum said other communities agreed, which started the tradition. This year’s 127 Yard Sale begins Thursday. It spans from Addison, Michigan to Gadsden, Alabama.
Rosenbaum said just about anything can be found at the 127 Yard Sale. He said it is more than used, unwanted goods from people’s basements.
“There are professional antique dealers who set up tents and booths throughout the sale,” Rosenbaum said. “You can find antique glassware, antique furniture, antique instruments. You can find unique items you won’t find anywhere else.”
Rosenbaum said a few years ago, one of those unique items was in Clarkrange. It was a 7 foot tall, brass camel statue, and it sold for around $1,500.
Rosenbaum said people come from all over the world to sell their items at the 127 Yard Sale. Finding a spot, however, may be challenging.
“You kind of have to know somebody,” Rosenbaum said. “Most of the property along 127 is privately owned, and most of the people set up as vendors have been set up for awhile. And there are property owners who put up signs and lease lots for those who are interested. You kind of just have to look around and make a relationship with somebody, and then find a spot.”
Rosenbaum said East Fort Stables in Jamestown has set up a vendor park for the last several years. The Jordan Motel in Jamestown also rents lots, but the vendors there typically return each year.
Rosenbaum said Green Acres and the Cumberland Acres General Store are two Fentress County locations who typically rent lots for the yard sale.
In addition to being a fun tradition, Rosenbaum said the 127 Yard Sale is a big economic driver for Fentress County. He said people spending money at local restaurants, businesses, and hotels generates millions of dollars in revenue for the county each year.
