Bargain-hunters visit Scott City yard sale

The sixth annual citywide yard sale took place Friday and Saturday this Labor Day weekend in Scott City. The sale, sponsored by the Scott City Area Women's Club and the Scott City Chamber of Commerce, was started by the Chamber of Commerce to help local businesses and give residents an opportunity to do something as a community.

There were 65 to 75 yard sales with a wide range of items, including toys (some new and still in the box), antiques, electronics, baked goods, books, furniture and a lot of clothing (mostly children's). 

Free pamphlets available at Rhodes 101 Stop and Paradise Florist in Scott City included a map of the city along with a list of the yard sale addresses. The proceeds generated from the advertising revenue of the pamphlets were donated to the Scott City Women's Fund. The fund is used to buy Christmas presents for needy school children in Scott City.

Amanda Penny, who was looking for children's clothing as well as odds and ends, normally doesn't come to Scott City for yard sales because she believes there are typically only one or two yard sales each weekend, and it's not worth the drive. But the citywide yard sale changed that.

"It's nice to have so many yard sales in one place," she said.

"There doesn't seem to be as many people shopping this year," James McNiele said. Having participated in all six years of the sale, James normally has made as much as $1,000 from his yard sale.

One Sikeston shopper was drawn to Scott City for the large number of yard sales. Brandy Smith had, after going to just a handful of sales, purchased clothing, school supplies, toys and jewelry.

"I like supporting local people to buy things. Not only is it cheaper, but I would rather give them my money than a big store chain," she said.