The 21st Anniversary of the National Road Yard Sale Festival will begin May 29 and run until June 2 from St. Louis to Baltimore, Maryland.

The 824-mile sale celebrates this historic byway, giving communities the opportunity to host festivals and other community events. Individuals and vendors are expected to set up with an assortment of roadside treasures including antiques and furniture, housewares, collectables, and in a few locations be able to purchase Amish treats along the route.

The National Road, in many places known as U.S. 40, was built between 1811 and 1834 to reach the western settlements and was also the first federally funded road in U.S. history. U.S. 40 runs parallel to Interstate 70, passing through Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana and Illinois.

Donna Tauber, past president of the Indiana National Road Association, said the goal of the sale is to have each community participate and make the event one long festival along the route.

This is a way for each one to showcase what makes them unique in the old pike towns, and past sales have drawn in thousands of people to the areas. It is a great way for local residents to make extra money, as well as help local attractions and other businesses.

Now is the time for communities to start planning their own community events. Individual sales vary during the time span with a few even beginning a few days early. Many community events take place on Friday and Saturday — either way it is an opportunity for people to visit the National Road and also check out the historic sites as well as many unique stores and restaurants.

For more information contact coordinators Donna Tauber 765-987-7565 or Kim Couch 765-969-7593 or visit the official Facebook page “Historic National Road Yard Sale – US 40 Sales.”