It will stretch for 350 miles across the state of Alabama, including a stretch of U.S. Highway 80. It will bring visitors, bargain hunters and the occasional picker to small areas of Lowndes County, Perry County and far beyond.

The World’s Widest Yard Sale, set to begin Thursday, May 31, will not only include booths and vendors in east Alabama, but Selma and Dallas County will have more than its share of shopping opportunities.

But, for one stop along the route, the motives for selling items is not to pay off a bill, save money for a family vacation or to sell their best wares. Instead, it is trying to raise money to further preserve history and better serve its customers.

Historic Sturdivant Hall in Selma’s Old Town, will participate in the sale, selling items in the front yard, and working to raise money to help further refurbish the museum and gift shop.

“We have to preserve our local treasure,” said Sturdivant volunteer Patty DeBardeleben. “People don’t know how much it costs and how much work goes into this building.”

While the World’s Widest Yard Sale will continue for days, Sturdivant Hall’s sale will only be one day; Saturday, June 2 beginning at 8 a.m.

Over the last few weeks, people have donated tapes, plates, records, some barely worn shoes and decorative household items, but the volunteers at Sturdivant Hall have barely reached their quota for donations. DeBardeleben said there is room for much more.

“We don’t have quite enough stuff,” DeBardeleben said. “People might be dragging their feet and waiting to donate things but this is a great time to do some spring cleaning and get rid of stuff.”

Sturdivant Hall is asking for donations of any garage sale items like appliances, collectibles, household goods and anything sellable.

While they are seeking items to sell, they are discouraging the donations of worn clothing — only new and nearly new clothing and accessories are welcome.

She said the things donated so far range from 25 cents to $10.

“We don’t want someone’s raggedy old T-shirt,” DeBardeleben said.

Residents are welcome to donate items to Sturdivant during its normal business hours. If someone wants to donate an expensive or collectible item DeBardeleben said Sturdivant Hall could even provide a tax letter.

The World’s Widest Yard Sale will run from May 31 through June 2.