Carolann Decker of Barnesville was among the shoppers Thursday at the Historic National Road Yard Sale. (Photo by Robert A. DeFrank)
An assortment of roadside treasures can be found along U.S. 40 through Sunday with the Historic National Road Yard Sale.
Belmont County Tourism Director Jackee Pugh said this mark’s the event’s 20th anniversary.
“We stopped by one of the yard sales. We were standing there for about 20 minutes. People were just pulling in right and left. We probably had 10 different cars at the one yard sale that we stopped at. It’s a big event, and I think the weather being nice, people are definitely excited to come out and see what people have to offer,” she said.
Pugh said her office does not track how many yard sales are typically set up in the county and how many cars normally stop by, but she said the event has grown during the past 20 years.
“It’s grown bigger every year,” she said. “It stretches from St. Louis all the way to Baltimore, so 820-some miles all across the US, but Belmont County has a stretch of 28 miles, and just in the little bit I drove today, there were quite a few yard sales happening. People are definitely out and about and enjoying it.”
Pugh encouraged the public to come out.
“I think you’re going to find all kinds of roadside treasures, antiques, furniture, housewares, collectibles, probably a little bit of everything out there,” she said.
She added there were many events scheduled this weekend. She mentioned Martins Ferry’s Strawberry Fest noon-10 p.m., and Airport Day in Barnesville 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, at 62215 Fairview Road, Barnesville.
“All kinds of events are going on,” she said. “It’s going to be a busy weekend in Belmont County for sure.”
Allan Ketzell ran one sale out of 55921 National Road.
“We’ve done it every year for the last five, six years, just trying to clean out the houses. There’s about five families that have stuff here, and just trying to get rid of a little bit of everything,” he said. He pointed out items of potential interest such as a copper figure from a former Citizens Bank.
“Things like that, little trinkets, people love those things,” he said, adding traffic has been good. “Very busy yesterday.”
Jim Turick of 55533 National Road had an impressive selection.
“I’ve always done it,” he said. “I actually do estates. I clean out estates.”
Tina Shaw of 55510 National Road has been participating in the yard sales for five years.
“Just selling, trying to get rid of stuff. I joined a friend and set up with her one year. Now I’m just doing it on my own,” she said, adding the sales are full of surprises. “There’s a little bit of everything. Each person has something different. … We’ve had a few stop by (Thursday). (Friday) and Saturday’s going to be our biggest day. We’re going to have a lot more than what we have set out today, the next few days.”
St. Clairsville Area Chamber of Commerce Director Wendy Anderson was also among those checking out the deals. She was looking over items outside Window’s Fashions by Beth at 185 E Main St, St Clairsville. Anderson said the location was excellent.
“It’s right on 40. People travel, look at the traffic. People travel 40, and this is a great way of showcasing your business.”
Sharon McCutcheon of St. Clairsville was with her.
“When you see a sale, you have to stop,” she said. “Can’t pass up a sale.”
Among other prospective buyers were Barbara Isiminger of Dillonvale, searching out new wares for her establishment, Vintage Vantage.
“I have a shop in Moundsville,” she said.
Carolann Decker of Barnesville said she was impressed by the quality of items at Turick’s sale.
“They have nice clean stuff at this one,” she said.
Another shopper, Caleb Low, came from Little Rock, Arkansas and stopped at the yard sale during his bicycle trek across the country. He only bought a few lightweight items so as not to weigh himself down. He said he was happy to see the sights in Belmont County.
“Across the entire U.S.,” he said. “To learn about myself, to learn about God and to learn about others.”
Today’s breaking news and more in your inbox