Mile long yard sale draws thousands

Searching for that special item, eager bargain hunters from across the state filled the streets of Watertown during Saturday's 18th annual fall Mile Long Yard Sale.
"We have well over 100 vendors that have paid for spots, not counting church groups and school clubs" event coordinator Jim Amero said, adding that the vendors had to be set up and prepared for the day by 7 a.m.
Although the "official" yard sale lies within the city limits of Watertown, the yard sale doesn't end there. Individuals with houses all along Sparta Pike take advantage of the opportunity to clean out garages, cabinets and attics and put out items on their front lawns.
However, the town square seemed to contain the hub of activity with several vendors along with food booths and the shops that were open for business.
"This is the heart of it because everyone from Lebanon to Smithville takes advantage of it," Amero said.
Shoppers came from all over Middle Tennessee as well as other parts of the state and even Kentucky, Amero added. Along with those individuals who braved the creeping traffic in their cars were those who wanted a more leisurely way to get to Watertown. These individuals took the excursion trains provided by Tennessee Central railways.
Two trains arrived during the festivities, one heading from Nashville and the other from Cookeville.
"We're expecting two trains coming in with at least 500 passengers, possibly 700," Amero said.
Among the crowd of bargain hunters, there are many first timers, as well as those who make their way to the sale each year. Barbara Hale made her first trip to the event in search of antiques for her farmhouse in DeKalb County.
"It's my first time and I like it," Hale said. "You can find what your looking for better at yard sales than in antique shops."
She didn't walk away empty handed. She and her husband purchased an antique wash basin to display at the farmhouse.
Amero was pleased with the turnout, and anticipated good numbers as long as the weather held.
"This is going to be a record setting year," he said. "This one will surpass the spring sale."
Part of the success may be attributed to a large amount of publicity leading up to the event.
"We advertised over a 300 mile radius," Amero said.
He also noted the large amount of support given to the yard sale by all of the residents of Watertown. Without the help of volunteers and the Police Department, the day would not go as smoothly, Amero added.
"When you look down the street and all you see is people and cars, I've done my job," he said.
Staff Writer Kimberly Jordan can be reached at 444-3952 ext. 16 or by e-mail at kimberly.jordan@lebanondemocrat.com.