SUMMERVILLE — “It takes a special breed to sit out in the heat!” laughed Kathy Holder as she looked around J.R. “Dick” Dowdy Park in Summerville on Thursday.

Holder is the event organizer for the Summerville portion of the 22nd annual World’s Longest Yard Sale, which stretches from West Unity, Ohio, to Gadsden, Ala., a total of 654 miles.

The event began Thursday and continues through Sunday.

Holder said the money raised by selling booths at the Summerville event goes to the Chattooga County Tourism Committee, which is then donated to charity.

Items for sale at the event include antiques, memorabilia, metal signs, homemade preserves and baked goods, barbecue, clothing and general yard sale items.

Vendors and shoppers alike seemed to enjoy the event and the experience a yard sale provides.

“It’s just fun,” said Jon Hebel who sells metal signs. “I love the signs, love the people and love to be outside. I just can’t sit at a desk.”

“It’s a wonderful experience because you meet a lot of people, and they’re all looking for something different,” said vendor Valerie Thompson.

Shoppers were particularly interested in the bargains.

“I’m a yard sale fanatic,” said Buddy Floyd. “It’s about finding that bargain — a great deal. I got a Magnavox boom box with working CD player for $1.99!”

Friends Christie Mitchell and Denise Flowers explored the event together.

“She made me come,” joked Mitchell who was looking for clothes.

“Someone’s junk is someone else’s treasure,” said Flowers, who is remodeling a house and said she was looking for home items.

The event usually begins around 8 a.m. and closes at dark. For more information about the “World’s Longest Yard Sale,” visit www.127sale.com.