An early August tradition is making its way back to Kentucky communities north and south. The annual U.S. Highway 127 Yard Sale officially begins Thursday.
Albany Kentucky native Al Gibson is a tourism commission and chamber of commerce member and local newspaper publisher.
“You can find just about anything along the 127 Yard Sale. If you name it, I’ve probably seen it and maybe bought it,” said Gibson.
Gibson and his wife have traveled thousands of miles in total looking for good buys. If you journey along Highway 127 this week, He said be prepared for the driver ahead to bow up at any minute.
“If you see something that you like and it’s the only like it sitting there, don’t wait to pick it up on your way back cause it probably won’t be there,” said Gibson.
Gibson remembers one of their first stops years ago when his wife Janie came back with a stuffed frog.
“And she said this is for you and I put it on the dash of my Excursion and we named him “Ten.” The number ten, because that’s the sum of one-two and seven. And Ten still rides to work with me every day on my dash. He’s got a hat and sunglasses now,” said Gibson.
Gibson said they also have a five-foot-tall windmill on the back deck. He said when the wind blows and it spins, he thinks about the yard sale. Gibson noted shoppers can always find dishes, antiques, and hand-made items. Gibson added there is an immediate economic impact in Albany, but also return visitors who spend dollars in the area.
The 127 Yard Sale, spanning some 690 miles and six states ends Sunday.
Here's the phone interview with Al Gibson, a native of Albany Kentucky and frequent 127 Yard Sale participant:
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