By Oniska Blevins | The Selma Times-Journal

There’s an old saying that “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure,” and for over 40 years that has been the mantra as people have lined up for miles to buy and trade their treasures during the annual historic U.S. Highway 80 Sale, which is also known as the “World’s Widest Yard Sale.” The sale happens twice a year.

The fall sale is in October, and the spring sale is the third week in April.

Originally three days long, the sale started as a way to increase traffic and tourism along Highway 80 with stops in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia.

Throughout the years, it has become a two-day sale, where shoppers and travelers from all over have the chance to visit the different locations and shop.

This year, the spring sale is Friday, April 20 and Saturday, April 21 from sunrise until sundown on both days.

The sale is so widespread and popular that some of Selma’s very own are taking part in the fun.

Bo Morgan, owner of Angie’s Auction, said the location has been participating in the sale for 10 years.

Not only does Angie’s Auction participate in the sale, the location also serves as a hub for other vendors that want a space to sell their items.

For $20 a day, the vendors can bring their tables and/or tents and set up shop.

Morgan said he gets excited to see what other people bring to the sale.

According to Morgan, there will be various vintage items for sale and trade from buyers and sellers from all over the five states.

“We average over 2,000 buyers that come here that Friday and Saturday,” he said.

The most exciting part of the sale for Morgan is the people that come from far and near to sell and shop with others.

“Some people actually come from Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi, and they’ll stop here in Selma to buy and trade,” he said. “Then they’ll go all the way to Georgia.”

He said sometimes those people would stop back by Selma and shop again on the next day.

The Dallas County Historic Preservation Society is also taking part in the sale this year. Society member Peggy Brown said this is the organization’s first time participating in the sale and they are excited to see how it goes.

“If it’s successful then we’ll probably do another one in the future,” she said.

The sale will start at 7 a.m. and end at 4 p.m. on April 20 and 21. Heritage Village, located at 622 McLeod, will play host to their sale for the weekend.

Brown said this was a fundraising idea aside from their annual Historic Pilgrimage. After some research, she thought this would be something different for them.

“It occurred to me that a yard sale would be a good way of raising awareness of the organization and raising funds,” she said.

They will be selling furniture, household goods, and other random items brought to the sale by members of the organization.

The Selma Flea Market will also be open on Friday and Saturday as a part of the sale.

Junebugg’s Flea and Antique Mall, located at 1302 East Highland Ave., will also host various vendors for both days of the sale. Their site will be open from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. There is a $20 per day fee for each vendor. To reserve a spot at Junebugg’s call (334) 875-3532.

For more information, or to reserve a spot at Angie’s Auction during the two-day sale, contact Bo Morgan at (334) 412-0263.