Get ready to shop at Big Grab, a 43-mile yard sale

On Saturday, the towns of Blythewood, Ridgeway and Winnsboro will come together for the Big Grab, a yard sale that will span 43 miles.

“You can find just about anything,” says Jean Bell, an administrator with the town of Blythewood. “In past years we’ve had buyers and sellers from Alabama, Virginia and Georgia.”

Shaped like a bottom-heavy figure 8, the sale route runs along both sides of I-77, covering mileage on Highways 321 and 21, with a turnaround on Highway 200 in Winnsboro. Expect more than 200 vendors, who will have set up along the road and within parking lots, yards and old storefronts.

As hard-core yard sale shoppers know, getting a bargain isn’t for sissies. Veterans rely on these tips:

▪ To make it more convenient to bargain (and easier on the seller), bring cash in small denominations. Whipping out a $20 bill to pay for a $3 item that you bargained down from $4 doesn’t look good.

▪ If you’re shopping for something specific, like a rug, artwork or clothing, bring sizes and dimensions with you, as well as a tape measure. Bungee cords andplastic bins will help you get items home safely.

▪ Bring your own bags, preferably with long handles so you can carry yourpurchases over your shoulder.

▪ Check items for odd smells, like cigarette smoke or too much Febreeze as well as tears, chips and discolorations.

▪ Shop carefully for baby items: standards change often for cribs, car seats and toys.

Vendors will start setting up along the Big Grab route first thing in the morning; most will stay until sunset.

For more information about the sale, visit fairfieldchamber.sc

This story was originally published September 11, 2015 at 8:00 AM.