Shoppers finding bargains along US 40

Garage saler Kyle Sims tests out a piano for sale at one of the many garage sales that can be found along US 40 this weekend. He and his companion Emily passed on the piano, but said they had plenty of other great buys from the 7th Annual Historic US 40 Yard Sale.

PUTNAM COUNTY -- Shelly Bowers filled her van with friends from Irvington and headed out US 40 this morning. The group was bargain hunting during the 7th Annual Historic US 40 Yard Sale.

"We are going from here to Terre Haute today no matter what the weather. Tomorrow we are going on as far as we get and on Saturday we are working our way back on the other side of the highway," said Bowers.

This is her second time out on the great garage hunt and the back of her van was filling quickly with items from dishes to books.

Her companion Jerri Schmidt claimed to be a little more picky, having only purchased one item -- a bicycle for her grandson. It was tied to a rack on the top of the van.

"We'll get it all in one way or another," laughed Schmidt. "We brought a tarp and some bungee cords just in case we need them.

The annual yard sale kicked off Wednesday and businesses and individuals were eagerly anticipating great sales from dawn to dusk.

The Lotus family was selling golf items and even had one of their family members dressed up as a golfer waving people into their lot.

"We've done this for a couple of years now," said Jim Lotus. "It's a good way to get our name out there and to encourage people to shop with us all year."

This event takes place along Historic US 40 (often called Antique Alley in Indiana) from Baltimore to St. Louis from June 2 - June 6. Shoppers have approximately 824 miles to look for bargains, antiques, fresh produce, furniture and other great deals.

The yard sale also provides travelers with the opportunity to traverse on one of America's most scenic byways. As you travel along US 40, it is possible to feel the pulse of a road that is 203 years old.

Patricia McDaniel of Dublin, predicts the highway will be "bumper-to-bumper people" all across Route 40. This is the sixth year the antique shop owner has organized the event.

"It's not just for homeowners and bargain hunters. Civic organizations take advantage of the crowds by organizing food booths, and churches and other organizations will use the occasion for fundraisers of their own," says McDaniel.

She provides a survival kit list for shoppers on her website www.oldstorefrontantiques.com. Among the items she suggests shoppers have are snacks, water, a lot of money, maps, toilet paper, patience, sunscreen, insect repellant, sturdy shoes and a U-Haul.