127, Lincoln Hwy yard sales back together

LINDSAY McCOY/for the Van Wert independent

Summer is flying by and the month of August is quickly approaching. August brings many exciting opportunities to Van Wert County: the Wrenway Wiffleball Tournament and Van Wert County Fair, for example. But before people can get their fill of these annual events, organizers are arduously preparing for the Van Wert Crossroads Festival.

This entire weekend, August 7-10, revolves around the arrival of the U.S. 127 Yard Sale. The “World’s Longest Yard Sale”, covering 690 miles from Michigan to Alabama, takes a jog right through downtown Van Wert, and, in the past, has successfully pulled thousands of treasure hunters into the county.

The county becomes a shopper’s delight as locals discard their forgotten antiques and collected trinkets. This year’s event is expected to be better than ever as the Lincoln Highway Buy-Way Sale is also scheduled for the same weekend.

Van Wert County is the only location in the world where these two annual events intersect. Along Washington Street, sales are so plentiful that visitors can park their cars and walk from one sale to the next in the downtown area. In addition, Ohio, alone, is expected to offer 1,200 individual sale events along the Lincoln Highway.

Shopping opportunities do not end there. For the second weekend in a row, the Van Wert Council on Aging will also be hosting its annual Warehouse Sale. For an entire year, the Council on Aging collects donated items from those in the community and stores them in its warehouse at 220 Fox Road.

From  July 31 to August 2 and August 7 to 9, beginning at 8 a.m., the warehouse opens its doors to those looking for a bargain. Items for sale include furniture, Coca-Cola memorabilia, Christmas decorations, dishwares, electronics, toys, and many more. This is an event that continues to grow, and, in 2014, Council on Aging Director Kevin Matthews reported receiving so many donations that the warehouse was overflowing months prior to the actual sale.

Those looking to break away from treasure hunting to score brand-new, store-clearance items will also be in luck. The annual Stephanie Dawn Factory Outlet Sale will also be held August 7-9, at 223 S. Washington St. Stephanie Dawn’s cotton-quilted handbags and accessories, sold in retail stores across the United States, are designed and manufactured in Van Wert County. The outlet sale offers Stephanie Dawn’s retired products at 25-75 percent off regular retail prices. These bargains have women lining up at the doorstep during this annual event. Doors will open each day at 8 a.m. and will close at 5 p.m.

That’s not all; visitors also need to eat. The Van Wert Rib Fest will also be underway August 8-9. Ribs, barbecue pork, and roasted corn will contribute to the extensive menu offered at Rib Fest. Entertainment will include live music from Bad Advice, The Earthquakers, and Jackpot Friday night, and Double Kik, Nashville Crush, and Scotty Bratcher on Saturday.

Visit the Van Wert Rib Fest at the Van Wert County Fairgrounds Friday, August 8, from 5 p.m. to midnight or Saturday, August 9, from 11 a.m. to midnight. For more information and a full line-up of events, visit www.vanwertribfest.com.

Available all weekend, the Wassenberg Art Center will also be showcasing the Ohio Designer Craftsmen Exhibit at their new location at 214 S. Washington St. This event will feature the best of Columbus’ Ohio Craft Museum’s traveling exhibit. View artwork from a variety of artists in artistic mediums of all forms.

For more information on any of the events scheduled during the Van Wert Crossroads Festival, contact the Van Wert Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) at 877.989.2282 or visit its offices at 136 E. Main St. in Van Wert.