Endless Yard Sale brings vendors, tourism to eastern NC

In just two years, a big yard sale has become an eastern North Carolina tradition. The Endless Yard Sale brings thousands of bargain hunters to one highway that runs through the state.

Last year the sale expanded and attracted thousands of shoppers along U.S. Highway 301 from Dunn to Roanoke Rapids.

Some visitors complained about a gap last year through Nash County, but the county has been included in this weekend's sale. More than 500 vendors will line the highway this year.

“It was 30 miles long and there were so many people coming out,” Endless Yard Sale founder Tommy Abdallah said. “There's tons of antiques, really anything you're looking for is out there.”

The sale, which attracts bargain hunters from all over the nation, is not limited to just commercial vendors. Families, churches and nonprofits along the road also participate.

“From Alabama and Colorado, and all up and down the east coast,” said Donna Bailey-Taylor, Johnston County visitor’s bureau executive director.” People are staying in our hotels, which helps our economy. That's what tourism's all about.”

It's a great weekend for the hospitality industry, especially for vendors who hope to move additional merchandise.

“People are coming with money to spend,” Abdallah said. “What more can you ask for?”

The yard sale runs all day Friday and Saturday. Organizers said they plan to expand the yard sale to Cumberland and Robeson counties in the next couple of years.