Civic organizations, tourist attractions and restaurants along Highway 25 are preparing for the annual 100-Mile Yard Sale, which begins Thursday.

Stretching from Jackson to Kennett, Mo., the sale is expected to attract shoppers from several states through Memorial Day.

New McKendree United Methodist Church plans to sell clothing, lamps, baby items and much more from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. Proceeds from the sale will be donated to the United Methodist Women's club and the youth group for missions, including a summer trip and relief efforts.

"We're hoping that people will come out and shop while we're open so we can give to such worthy causes," said Julie Combs, chairwoman of the United Methodist Women's club.

The yard sale started in 1999 when Ellen Lowe, who traveled to many trade shows and flea markets, started compiling contact information from the dealers and realized she could bring the trade market to Highway 25. The first year, she invited all the dealers and paid for the marketing herself. Now area chambers of commerce sponsor the event.

Patsy Reublin, executive director of the Bootheel Youth Museum in Malden, Mo., said that while most shoppers likely won't visit her attraction during the sale, she expects some tourists to return after the event. The interactive museum will be open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday.

"I'm not saying that we won't have a lot of people come, but the real payoff will be when people come back through our town and visit our museum at that point," she said.

For more information on lodging, restaurants, shopping and locations of specific yard sales, visit 25yardsale.com.

bblackwell@semissourian.com

243-8600

Pertinent addresses:

700A N. Douglas St., Malden, MO

1770 S. Hope St., Jackson, MO