100-Mile Yard Sale begins today

Businesses and officials are preparing for the 10th annual 100-Mile Yard Sale this Memorial Day weekend with special events and caution.

The extra activity from the yard sale on Highway 25 always causes safety concerns because of the stop-and-go nature of the traffic and pedestrians.

To help alert drivers to the event, the Missouri Department of Transportation plans to place signs in five locations along Highway 25 near Jackson, Dexter, Mo., and Kennett, Mo., according to Craig Compas of MoDOT.

Cheryl Merkler of the Jackson Chamber of Commerce said Jackson had no special plans for traffic, but she encouraged drivers to obey the laws and use caution.

The high cost of gasoline has caused a little unease among some local officials and business owners about turnout.

However, Merkler believes that high fuel prices will be an advantage for the sale this year.

"People say they will not take a long vacation this summer, so they are looking for something more local to do," she said.

Local and out-of-state residents alike are expected to flock to the yard sale this Memorial Day weekend.

The five-day event starts this morning and continues through Monday.

Several businesses along the route expect high traffic and are planning special events.

One of those businesses is Fiddler's Fish in Dexter, which will have two all-day buffets Friday and Saturday along with chances to win a barbecue grill and tiki torches.

Owner Toni Brown estimated that the business has drawn 300 to 400 people during the event in past years; this year, she hopes to increase that draw to between 500 and 600 people with the buffet.

One restaurant, Bloomfield Express in Bloomfield, Mo., will serve special foods, such as baby back ribs, to attract customers. People will have sales set up across the street with easy access to the restaurant.

tthomas@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 197

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