What is billed as the “World’s Longest Outdoor Yard Sale” will be celebrating a milestone when the bargain hunters event kicks off. The 25th silver anniversary year of the trek that covers several states will officially be held the first weekend of August.

Although the sale is unofficially earmarked for the weekend, motorists and bargain hunters can actually look for the vendors and homeowners along the route to be out in force the day after the calendar changes from July to August.

The US 127 Sale dates are August 2-5, but as past indications hold true, people can expect vendors to be lined up along the sale route by next Wednesday, August 1.

The sale reaches a portion of some five states, with items ranging from the size of a coin to that of a vehicle that will have a bargain sticker price attached.

Although sale locations can be seen all along U.S. 127 from north to south in Clinton County, still the primary area–at least for another year–will be that at Mountain View Park. There, out-of-town and state tourists will be able to find not only all types of sale items, but good food as well. All the proceeds from that sale go to support the park.

Despite high fuel prices and a continued lag in the economy, this year’s sale is expected to attract about its normal amount of travelers looking for bargains.

In recent years in Clinton County, the number of vendors and local businesses and organizations that participate in the annual event have increased. This year, for example, there seems to be more locations where vendors can rent a space to sell their items.

As usual, many local groups and organizations use the 127 Sale to help raise money for various causes to help fund their endeavers.

During the approximate five-day total event in Clinton County, there are many repeat vendors, not to mention repeat customers who travel through the county and make annual stops at their favorite sale and/or food locations. Among those stops for many is at Lands Chapel Church, located in the Aaron Community not far from the Russell County line. Many repeat visitors stop by for fellowship and the always delicious food available.

The tourism created by the sale also cannot be overlooked for the Albany and Clinton County area, as extra money is spent on food, gas, lodging and other products purchased locally that isn’t directly associated with the sale itself.

Park Director Bobby Reneau expects about as many vendors to set up at the park this year as in the past, despite the less than great economic climate. Vendors there usually begin setting up as early as Tuesday the week of the sale and some begin selling their items by mid-week.

The U.S. 127 Sale extends to the southern tip of Michigan to the north and covers approximately 675 miles on through Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee and ends in Alabama.

The sale began in 1987 and now runs from Hudson, Michigan south to Chattanooga, Tennessee, then switches to the Lookout Mountain Parkway, continuing to Gadsden, Alabama.

The original intent of the sale was to prove the back roads have something to offer, and that the interstate system was not the only mode of travel.

Many counties and cities throughout the sale route also put together other promotional attractions for the out-of-town bargain seekers to enjoy, as well as enticing many to stay awhile while there.

Along with the activities surrounding the sale also brings the dangers associated with much heavier traffic volume, especially in areas where vendor locations are set up. Also, some areas aren’t equipped for a lot of parking space, meaning several vehicles may be parked in dangerous locations along the roadways.

Motorists are urged to slow down next weekend and be alert for pedestrians and vehicles making sudden stops.

The Fentress County Chamber of Commerce in Jamestown, Tennessee has served as headquarters for the 127 Corridor Sale since 1995 and also claims the origin of the event. Mike Walker, the county executive in Fentress County in 1987 came up with the idea of the sale, worked hard to make it happen, and planned for it to be an annual event.