Busy garage sale in US 127 sparks COVID concerns

HUDSON TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WILX) – There are concerns about unvaccinated people spreading COVID-19 even more in Hillsdale County this weekend. Across the country, people are heading to America’s 127 for “the longest garage sale in the world.”

The annual tradition attracts more people than last year.

Sellers told News 10 they noticed more people in their Friday sales compared to last year. Some, who didn’t even settle in last year, said they were happy to be back.

“It’s really nice to be able to say hello to people and see where they’re from,” said Janet High.

High did not host his garage sale at Bean Creek Garden Center just south of Hudson last year because of the pandemic. It’s part of the 127 Yard Sale, which stretches over 690 miles from Addison and goes south to Alabama.

High said he met people who traveled to Florida on Friday afternoon.

“I am a little worried even though most of us are vaccinated. But it’s outside so that helps a lot. We have a lot of air coming in here, ”High said.

She said being able to get the COVID shot helped her decide to come back.

“Are we trying to be careful? Yes. Do we have social distance? Yes. As much as we can. I feel much better with the vaccine. If we didn’t have the vaccine, I wouldn’t be here, ”High said.

Pam Meinke also didn’t set up her sale last year.

“It’s still a little different but we’re all learning,” Meinke said.

She said these precautions are key to preventing another outbreak like the one that occurred in Faster Horses a few miles away. There are 96 cases related to the concert, 11 of these people did not go to MIS.

“We still have to take a lot of precautions. Much has been provided to us. Washing hands, keeping things clean, we follow the rules, ”Meinke said.

“I feel safe to have this event here,” High said.

Garage Sale 127 runs until Sunday. This is the sister event, the “US 12 Yard Sale”, next weekend.

The Hillsdale, St. Joseph branch of the Community Health Agency was not aware of any sales-related outbreaks in the past year.

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