SELMA, NORTH CAROLINA-- On Friday, June 18th and Saturday, June 19th, Highway 301 (for over 100 miles) will be filled with excited vendors and shoppers. The annual event was cancelled last year due to COVID restrictions and struggled with scheduling concerns due to summer school.
According to Ashby Brame, Director of Marketing for the Johnston County Visitors Bureau:
“Historically, the 301 Endless Yard Sale attracts people from all over the country and as far away as Canada. If the sale had happened last year then this year would mark year 10… a decade of deals, unique finds, treasures, and more! We appreciate everyone who has made this event a success for nearly 10 years now and we're excited to be having the sale again in 2021.”
Whether people are looking for something very specific or they're just looking for an Americana road trip full of vintage shopping, local restaurants, and interesting attractions, the 100+ miles of the 301 Endless Yard Sale has something for everyone. Explore Halifax, Nash, Wilson, Johnston, and Harnett county; shop north to south, south to north, or start in the middle and pick a direction.
Interactive maps, information and frequently asked questions for both shoppers and vendors can be found on the organization's website: 301endlessyardsale.com. Hours of the sale vary by vendor but 7AM to 5PM daily is typical. Event organizers ask participants to please keep in mind that schools along the route will be in session for summer school on Thursday and churches along the route will be gathering on Sunday, so vendors and shoppers need to confine their hours to the 2 days of the event.
Vendor information
Vendor maps for each county are located on the 301 Endless Yard Sale site here. Individuals looking to find booth space can use the vendor map to find contact information for vendor locations leasing spaces. This year more than any year previously, event organizers ask that vendors confine their hours to the days of the sale. Some counties will be holding in-person summer school and so vendor locations that used school parking lots will not be available Thursday and buses will be running all along 301 Thursday afternoon.
Shopping information
Shoppers who are new to the sale should like/follow the Facebook page here, there are thousands of seasoned 301 EYS shoppers happy to share tips and tricks. Shoppers should remain vigilant and cautious while shopping the route.
“Please keep your eyes on the road; if you want to look at an item or booth please park and then proceed to explore,” Brame cautioned participants, “Highway 301 is a two-lane road in most places so be careful of posted speed limits, pedestrians, and please pull fully off the roadway to park.”
Vendors will be set up on Friday and Saturday, event organizers suggest hours from 7 AM to 5 PM, but shoppers may find that hours vary from vendor to vendor. Vendors have been asked not to set up early this year as some counties along the route are offering in-person summer school and 301 is a busy bus route with schools located along 301 in many cases. Please keep 301 clear on Thursday for school and buses as they work to offer in-person learning this summer.
Most towns along the 301 Endless Yard Sale route have lodging options from hotels to motels and even camping; if you want to get the most out of the sale and are coming from out of town, make a reservation for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night. On the event website, look for the vendor map page for each county where you will find a link to lodging recommendations for that area.
General FAQs for shoppers can be found here. In addition to all the normal things shoppers need for the sale each year (water, sunscreen, cash, etc.), remember to bring a mask and some hand sanitizer and work to social distance as you shop.
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