The Historic Highway 80 Sale will return this weekend, meaning yard sale lovers will find bargains to discover from Georgia to Texas.

In Alabama, the sale is an initiative of the Alabama Rural Development Office and the Black Belt Commission.

Rural Development Office Director Ron Sparks wanted to create and stimulate the economy of the Black Belt Region and came up with an idea for the yard sale.

The sale is annual, taking place across Highway 80 through Alabama and other states on the third weekend in April each year.

Selma-Dallas County Chamber of Commerce director Sheryl Smedley represents one of many chambers that help promote the yard sale.

“It invites people to help the rural area of Alabama and promotes awareness of what the Black Belt area and Highway 80 corridor has to offer,” Smedley said. “It makes visitors aware of the culture, arts and everything else that we have to offer here in Selma.”

The sale will take place Friday and Saturday across five states, including Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas.

Several Selma businesses, residents and organizations will participate in the sale.

Junebugg’s Flea and Antique Mall, Kustom Kreations Floral & Gift Shop, Marion Junction Volunteer Fire Department and the Queen of Peace Catholic Church are some of the local entities that will be participating. All funds made will go to the respective organizations who sale the goods.

Queen of Peace member Liz Kish said the church has participated in the sale for the past four years.

“It gives us a chance to interact with people from out of state and from all over the country to attend this sale. This has been a good fundraiser for the church in past years,” Kish said.

She said her and other members are going to sell candles, flowers and a variety of other things for reasonable prices. They will have their sale on Friday from 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. at 2425 Summerfield Road. Times and dates for other groups and organizations will vary.

“This is a good way to get people together, work together and meet new people,” Kish said.

Gov. Robert Bentley said the Highway 80 sale is a great tradition for Alabama.

“Communities all along U.S. Highway 80 are rich in culture, heritage, and hospitality. During the Historic U.S. 80 Highway Sale, Alabama can share one of its best-kept secrets. We welcome everyone to visit these unique towns and meet the wonderful people who live there,” Bentley said on the sale’s website.

“Whether you’re from another part of the state or another part of the country, we think you’ll enjoy discovering this region while making new memories along the way.”

More information can be found on the U.S. 80 Highway Sale website at www.widestyardsale.com. Anyone who has questions about the sale can call (334) 353- 5185 or (334) 649-3788.