BUCKHANNON — Antique hunters and bargain seekers can shop till they drop at West Virginia’s Largest Yard Sale on August 2-3, when countless yard sales dotting Upshur and Lewis counties will offer a diverse mix of items for the visiting treasure hunter.
Lacy Ramsey, the executive director of the Upshur County Convention and Visitors Bureau, said the Upshur and Lewis County CVBs have been busy compiling information for an interactive map that lists all registered yard sales in the area.
West Virginia’s Largest Yard Sale is scheduled for 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 2-3, in Upshur and Lewis counties. The link to the map can be found on the CVB Facebook page or by clicking here.
“It is a Google map, but it’s a specific Google Map,” Ramsey said. “The only things that will show up are these pins where the yard sales will be found. We try to color code it by county, so Upshur County will be one color, and Lewis County will be another color. Once you get into the link, you can click on each pin, and the information will come up as far as the house number, directions on how to get there and the items they intend to sell.”
Ramsey said she has received many calls from sellers outside West Virginia who intend to participate by setting up locally over the weekend.
“Right now, we have over 130 registered yard sales, with a few trickling in in the 11th hour,” Ramsey told My Buckhannon on Friday. “I’ve had calls from several states; I think the farthest one was Michigan. I had a call with ladies whose families are coming in from New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania and the surrounding states. So it does draw in a lot of traffic.”
Ramsey said many people come to the yard sale to hunt for hard-to-find antiques.
“They’re looking for those unique finds,” Ramsey said. “But we have everything from the typical yard sale items, like clothing or small appliances, to people who are registering farm equipment, vehicles, lamps, vinyl records and stereos. It’s a little bit of everything. There is a big diverse group of things being offered, but I would say a lot of people are looking for that unique antique.”
Participants coming to the yard sale are encouraged to be mindful of where they park their vehicles and try not to block anyone from leaving their homes.
“Most of these yard sales happen in compact, residential neighborhoods, so everyone would appreciate it if people are mindful of that and do not park on both sides of the street,” Ramsey said. “If we have an emergency or someone needs to get through, it becomes difficult. We ask that people use good judgment and courtesy when visiting yard sales and try not to bog down the neighborhood for safety concerns.”
Shoppers and sellers are also encouraged to wear comfortable footwear and stay hydrated.
“Depending on what the weather is, we want to make sure people are bringing water and staying hydrated,” Ramsey said. “Bring comfortable shoes, so you don’t risk rolling an ankle or hurting yourself. Come prepared and be mindful and respectful of the folks who live in those areas.”
Learn more about the yard sale and other local events at visitbuckhannon.org.
