National Road Yard Sale celebrates 10 years
- The Licking County National Road Yard Sale is celebrating its 10th anniversary this weekend.
- The event goes from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday,
- There will be 32 miles of yard sales along U.S. 40 from Reynoldsburg to Gratiot.
- For more information, go to facebook.com/nationalroadyardsale.
NEWARK – When she attends the Licking County National Road Yard Sale, Cyndie Gerken is always on the look out for what she calls “shopping victories.”
A resident of Miami County, Gerken travels to Licking County every year to participate in the event.
One year she found a crock by a well known local potter. During another visit, she found a variety of old photos of U.S. 40.
Her daughter is a big fan of the old fashioned rag rug she picked up for her at one of the many yard sales along the National Road.
“There is everything you could ever want and then some,” Gerken said.
Celebrating its 10th anniversary this weekend, the Licking County National Road Yard Sale kicks off at 9 a.m. Friday and continues until 5 p.m. Saturday.
This year’s sale offers 32 miles of yard sales along U.S. 40 from Reynoldsburg to Gratiot.
The first National Road Yard Sale was organized in Indiana and sales are traditionally held the last weekend in May along U.S. 40 in several states.
Charla Devine, of Devine Farms in Hebron, helped start the first Licking County yard sale in 2005. Since then, the event has grown, featuring yard sales at private homes, as well as churches and other community organizations.
“We wanted to get people on the National Road and make them appreciate the history,” Devine said. “And what’s not to like about the yard sale?”
Over the years, people have found a variety of items at the sale — including kitchen sinks, Devine said.
“I think it’s a great thing to bring focus to the National Road and it provides that sense of community you just don’t get at the mall or shopping center,” Gerken said. “I always find some kind of treasure when I’m out.”
To find great deals, and have a good time, Gerken offered up several pieces of advice for first-timers.
Her most important tip was for shoppers to stop at Gratiot United Methodist Church for homemade chicken and noodles and pie.
“They have the best food at the whole National Road Yard Sale,” she said.
Bringing sunscreen, rain gear and comfortable shoes are a must, she said.
Allen Barol and his wife Geraldine Jacobs make a list of things they are looking for, including books and furniture, but sometimes they find items they never even thought they needed.
The Newark couple plans to head to the sale early on Friday and Saturday. One day they’ll drive east, another day they’ll drive west.
“You can’t avoid having fun,” Barol said. “You get to meet people and talk to people.”
Barol advised shoppers to pack a lunch and plenty to drink and be respectful when they park their cars. He said the best strategy is to park the car and walk from sale to sale as much as possible.
Jacobs said she always brings shopping bags in her purse and takes advantage of a bathroom stop anytime there’s one available.
It’s important to bring cash, in small bills, she said.
“Also don’t be afraid to haggle for the price,” she said. “I think people kind of expect you to ask for them to come down on the price.”
Jacobs said she’s looking forward to checking items off her list, and finding some surprises.
“It’s just a fun, inexpensive way to spend a day or even a few hours,” she said. “It’s just like an adventure, it’s a treasure hunt. It’s a fun thing to do.”
ajeffries@newarkadvocate.com
740-328-8544
Twitter: @amsjeffries
IF YOU GO
What: Licking County National Road Yard Sale
When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Where: U.S. 40 from Reynoldsburg to Gratiot
Cost: Open to the public
More info: Go to facebook.com/nationalroadyardsale.