Montgomery, Alabama – Plans for the World’s Widest Yard Sale scheduled for May 31 – June 2, 2012 were announced by Alabama Rural Development Office Director, Ron Sparks, and Ray Scott, founder of the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society.

In an effort to stimulate this region’s economy, the US Highway 80 corridor in the Black Belt region of Alabama will be the featured route for three days of bargain hunting and intriguing side trips.

 “It’s an entertaining way to showcase this region of Alabama in a positive light, share our cultural heritage, and generate revenues for all the communities along Highway 80 and beyond,” announced Sparks. “We hope this event will attract the attention of national media.”

The World’s Widest Yard Sale is establishing its origin in Central Alabama spanning 350 miles across the Black Belt Region. The sale will be staged on sites along US Highway 80 beginning in Phenix City, near Georgia, and proceeding westward to Cuba, near Mississippi . Other towns directly involved will be Tuskegee, Shorter, Pike Road, Montgomery, Pintala, Lowndesboro, White Hall, Selma, Uniontown, Marion Junction, Gallion, Faunsdale, Demopolis, and York.

Over time, the event has the potential to span across America from coast to coast. It is anticipated that thousands will participate as vendors and a multitude of visitors will travel near and far seeking newfound treasures.

A  website has been created to assist vendors with maps, available sites, and lodging options. It’s also designed to help visitors navigate the route, choose lodging, plan side trips to the many attractions available in the region, and features festivals and special events taking place during the sale weekend.

For details, keep an eye on our website, www.widestyardsale.com.

The Black Belt is named for the nutrient-rich, black soil that once grew superior cotton and, today, continues to support an abundance of wild life. The region’s cultural heritage is as rich as its soil and the down-home cooking even better. A few of the attractions of special interest are the Tuskegee Airmen Museum, Rosa Parks Museum in Montgomery, Lowndes County Interpretive Center, the Edmund Pettus Bridge at Selma, Gee’s Bend and the famous quilters, quaint shops in Marion, mansions in Demopolis, hand-made pies at Pie Lab in Greensboro, and candies made by hand at Priester’s Pecans. For more information: http://alblackbeltheritage.com.

For more information regarding the first World’s Widest Yard Sale please contact the Alabama Rural Development Office, Emily Law at 334-353-5185 or e-mail  emily.law@adeca.alabama.gov.