World’s longest yard sale stretches 690 miles from Michigan to Alabama

The self-proclaimed World's Longest Yardsale kicked off on Thursday, stretching a reported 690 miles down the U.S. 127 corridor from Addison, Mich., to Gadsden, Ala.
Along with the thousands of individual vendors selling their goods, the giant outdoor sale is meant to highlight the character and culture of the region, featuring musical performances, food and more than 300 other activities along the way.

A scene from the World's Longest Yardsale
(Fentess County Chamber of Commerce)

And early reports say the massive bargain bin is off to a busy start.

Over it's 25-year history, the yard sale has gotten even bigger, nearly doubling in size since its 1987 debut.

"A few dislike the snarled traffic associated with the sale, but all must admit, the sale is good for the economy along the corridor route," a press release for the event reads. "Locals sell their crafts, accommodations are filled, restaurants are crowded, and those renting vendor spaces also add to the local economy."

A 2010 Time article said the annual sale was a sign of economic despair in the United States, but many of those who participate say it is just the opposite.

"We see a clear surge in hotel and motel tax revenue," Leann Smith, tourism director at the Fentress County Chamber of Commerce, told ABC News. "More people are eating at restaurants and stopping and buying gas and other necessities needed during travel. It's clearly a big difference for our small town."

Originally launched by tourism officials in Jamestown, Tenn., the epic yard sale, continues through Sunday, Aug. 5, 2012.