Furniture, clothing, records, books and eclectic knickknacks galore are expected to be part of the treasures a bargain-seeker can expect to find at booths set up in the Avanti parking lot for folks who want to participate but don’t live along the highway.
There will also be lines of individual yard sales on the front lawns of those who do live along Highway 78.
“Last year we had people constantly come in,” said Villa Rica Main Street Manager Barbara Daniell. “There was a constant mill of people.”
Daniell estimated about 1,000 people flocked into Villa Rica for the yard sales, which she said not only exposed the town to newcomers but also brought in business to the local merchants, restaurants and gas stations.
“Especially with the merchants having sidewalk sales,” she said. “People will go into the stores, go into the stops and gas stations. It’s a trickle down effect.”
Daniell said all 30 available spaces at the Avanti parking lot have already been filled by sellers.
Ashley Hulsey, Temple community development director, said she has heard from many Temple residents eager to participate in the event.
“This year we waived all yard sale permit fees to give the chance for everyone to participate,” Hulsey said. “We are hoping to have a good turnout. Something like this not only helps out the residents, but it is also good for the businesses by bringing people in to stop and eat and shop.”
Hulsey said the City Council met and agreed to waive the $5 yard sale permit fee after a resident contacted her regarding the issue for what has been dubbed the “Highway 78 Yard Sale” by locals.
“This year we wanted a big turnout, and we didn’t want people to be burdened with the fee,” she said. “This is a pretty long event, and we know people will be out looking for the best bargains.”
Hulsey said she expects to see many common household items up for sale, but she said there will also be some unique sells such as handmade wood crafts by a local resident.
David Inman, manager of Fortress Storage off of Bankhead Highway in Villa Rica, said he owns an open field along the highway and is opening up the space for his more than 400 tenants to sell any of their treasures they might have in storage.
Although not all of the tenants will participate, Inman said many tenants have already expressed interest.
Inman said just about anything is possible to see at the yard sale when it comes to the tenants.
“It could be anything under the sun,” he said. “It’s whatever they choose to sell. When it comes to storage units anything is possible.”
Inman said the yard sale will benefit both the tenants trying to sell items and those wanting to buy bargains.
“With the economy, we try things to help out,” he said. “Having a yard sale with the times the way they are, it gives an opportunity to help people out. I’m looking forward to the event. I’m even coming in on my day off, because this is such a benefit for our tenants.
“It’ll be a perfect day too ” not too hot or too cold. It’s great for the sellers to earn some extra money, and it’s great for the buyers, too.”
Hallie Henrickson, manager of the Tin Roof Cafe on Main Street in Villa Rica, said the Highway 78 Yard Sale brings in many hungry customers ” stopping for a bite to eat between shopping.
“It’s a very busy day for us,” she said. “It’s a good event for the city.”
The Highway 78 Yard Sale begins in Villa Rica and travels through Temple into Bremen and Tallapoosa.
Although the sellers set up at the Avanti parking lot will be open from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m., it is up to each individual yard sale seller to determine how long they will be open today.
Tourism officials said neighbors along several side streets off of Highway 78 will hold yard sales to get in with the crowds for those shoppers looking for special finds and antiques not on the highway.
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