beckyrepp Posted August 13, 2009 Report Share Posted August 13, 2009 This just in from Mike Hocker, of the Ohio Lincoln Highway Historic Byway: (Ohio) — From a meager beginning of 250 yard sales the first year, to over 750 last year...and over a staggering 1,000 individual pull-off yard sale events this (fifth) year, many people we talked to shared the same ideas, Ohio Lincoln Highway Historic Byway Director Mike Hocker commented, " that this was the biggest and best yard sale yet, or that this year's opening day, Thursday, was the biggest Thursday--or even the biggest day--ever. Almost everyone said sales were up, traffic was up, and the money was up! Many people also commented observations like "the BUY-WAY Yard Sale this year turned a corner," "jumped an octave in energy," or "created a new sense of community." While some communities actually rested somewhat this year with a lesser population of sales, many others were more populated. Small communities like Leesville, Gomer, Oceola and Robertsville were almost wall-to-wall yard sales. Many included the wonderful aroma of hot dogs and sausages on the grill, and many had coolers of bottled water...many free for the asking. There are 39 communities across Ohio's portion of the Lincoln Highway. This year's BUY-WAY poster child was Van Wert. They have both the Route 127 sale AND the Lincoln Highway sale in town for three days. And, it was they, themselves, who extended the invitation to the Rt. 127 folks (who had never even thought of extending their yard sale that far north before), and added fairgrounds activities--flea markets, a rib cook-off, a free concert, a cruise-in, a car show, a tractor drive, making for full hotels, happily "slammed" restaurants, busy gas stations and other retails, over 300 yard sales (many as big as 30 vendors in one stop), and called it a CROSSROADS Festival. Other towns hosted village-wide sales, so a person could actually spend the day driving around town shopping. Ada, and Upper Sandusky were examples of this. "I think this event is now running on its own juice. Now let us see if indiana, Illinois, Iowa and other Lincoln Highway states grab on to the branded name "BUY-WAY" and keep it going across America next year," said Hocker. Next year's dates will be determined and announced at the end of the month. For more information, go to:www.historicbyway.com. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keep the Show on the Road! Posted August 14, 2009 Report Share Posted August 14, 2009 Becky, Thats a great report, and it reminds us that even in bad times, wisely targeted economic activities that combine with fun, flourish. I hope other will follow the example! Dave Keep the Show on the Road! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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