If you've watched any television at all in the past few years, you've seen one of those trash to treasure shows featuring someone visiting the 127 Corridor sale. You know how the celebrity from New York City discovers that rusty door hinges and old barn wood are the perfect makings for a coffee table? And it's a steal, bought from the roadside stand of a bonafide rural resident who lives along the highway in Kentucky? Maybe you can find barn wood and old hardware and an assortment of antiques at the World's Longest Yard Sale. Who knows what you'll find, new or used? Maybe you'll find a great deal at a locally owned store, or find a fun new spot for a family outing. The sale has also become a prime location for crafters and artists.
One of those vendors this week will be Kathy Sevits of East Tennessee. She loves to sew handbags, tote bags, scarves and hats. It's obvious Sevits is an experienced seamstress, as the items are all neatly constructed in a wide range of fabric and designs. She purchases her fabric from Short Sheets Fabric in Crossville, Tennessee. So the owner has agreed to let her set up a booth in front of the fabric store to show her wares. This is at 8351 Highway 127 North, four and half miles north of Interstate 40. Sevits will only be making her items available on Thursday. But the sale officially runs August 4 through 7, with many booths open all weekend.
Folks with the Fentress County Chamber of Commerce say the sale began in the 80s as an alternative to everyone traveling and shopping along the interstate. The Chamber has officially promoted the sale since the mid 90s with its headquarters and website. What began with a few yard sales and special store promotions along Highway 127 in Tennessee and Kentucky is now touted as spanning 675 miles, from Michigan all the way south into Alabama. The locals suggest that if you decide to attend the World's Longest Yard Sale, drive safely and please bring your manners along with your wallet.