Yard sale tradition gets new home, new name

One of Sparta's longtime community traditions is getting more than a new location this fall — it's getting a new identity.

Known for years as the Million Dollar Mile Yard Sale, the event has been rebranded as The Great Sparta Yard Sale as it moves to a centralized format at the White County Sports Complex. The change reflects both the event's new home and a new vision that includes two community-wide sales each year, one in the spring and one in the fall.

Organizer Tina Lomax took over the event after its previous organizers chose not to continue. As she began planning for the future, one thing became clear: the longtime format of stretching yard sales along Bockman Way had become increasingly difficult to sustain.

For years, sellers lined parking lots, business frontages, grassy areas and residential properties along Bockman Way while shoppers made their way through town hunting for bargains. But as available locations became more limited and safety concerns grew, Lomax said it was time to rethink the event.

"After talking with lots of individuals, having it at a central location seemed to be the best option," Lomax said.

The inaugural The Great Sparta Yard Sale – Fall Edition will be held Saturday, Nov. 7, from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the White County Sports Complex, 4201 Smithville Hwy. Vendors may also set up Friday evening if they choose.

While the location is changing, the heart of the event remains the same. Organizers want the sports complex filled with community yard sales, giving families a place to clean out garages, attics and storage buildings while shoppers search for bargains and hidden treasures. Crafters, direct-sales vendors and other small businesses are also welcome, and food trucks are being sought to round out the event.

Vendor spaces measure 10-by-10 feet and cost $30, plus a $20 refundable cleanup deposit.

The event will also serve as a fundraiser for Seeds of Hope, with proceeds helping fund the nonprofit's planned building expansion to better serve White County families with children.

Lomax said she hopes the new format creates a safer, easier experience for both shoppers and sellers while establishing a tradition the community can enjoy twice each year.

"We understand we aren't going to be able to please everyone, but we hope this gives everyone an opportunity to make some cash while supporting a local 501(c)(3)," she said.

Lomax is working alongside White County Parks and Recreation Director Don Percey as plans continue for the event, which organizers hope will become a staple on Sparta's calendar each spring and fall.

Those interested in reserving a vendor space can call (931) 303-6695. Spots are expected to fill quickly.