BY CATHERINE TSAI
The Cincinnati Enquirer
COVINGTON -- Some 450 miles of another man's treasures brought 30,000 shoppers to the so-called "World's Largest Yard Sale" last year.
But worries about traffic safety have prompted Kentucky's tourism officials, police and transportation cabinet to push efforts to prevent accidents during this year's sale Thursday through Sunday.
The annual sale stretches from MainStrasse in Covington to Gadsden, Ala., along U.S. 127.
"We want people to spend money and have fun, but to do it safely," said Christa Bunnell, communications director for Kentucky's Tourism Development Cabinet.
Mike Walker of Fentress County in Tennessee started the event 12 years ago to pull visitors away from the interstate.
Now the Fentress County Chamber of Commerce mails out event brochures to 10,000 names, and the sale has grown from selling antiques and artwork to selling the kitchen sink, too.
Though Northern Kentucky's part of the route was relatively calm last year, state police noticed a series of fender-benders in southern Anderson County.
Police said Anderson, Mercer and Franklin counties seemed to have the most congestion and minor accidents.
"People were pulling across traffic, parking on the right of way and stopping suddenly," Ms. Bunnell said.
To prevent accidents, some counties will send shoppers to alternate sites -- away from the highway -- with signs or message boards pointing the way.
More "no parking" signs will also be posted beginning at the intersection of U.S. 127 and Ky. 151 near Frankfort and heading south.
As part of the transportation cabinet's "Drive Smart, Kentucky" campaign, drivers will be encouraged to obey speed limits and be alert to heavier traffic.
The speed limit on U.S. 127 is 55 mph in rural areas.
Tourism Secretary Ann Latta had been organizing meetings with Kentucky officials since January to ensure that the popular event is free of accidents.
"We're just hoping to prevent what none of us want," Ms. Bunnell said.
