Yard Sales and UFOs – Only in Northeastern Alabama in August

FORT PAYNE, Ala. - July 27, 2016 - PRLog -- With summer winding down, there is still time to plan a quick getaway to scenic DeKalb County, Ala. The month of August holds two events attracting visitors from near and far to the northeastern part of the state to experience a yard sale of epic proportions and to witness sightings of flying objects. A once-a-year, 600-mile shopping trip brings thousands of bargain hunters and treasure seekers to DeKalb County for the ultimate shop 'til you drop experience the first weekend in August, and the last Saturday offers a day of free family fun as the town of Fyffe comes together for its annual Fyffe UFO Day Festival.

Set for August 4-7, 2016, the annual World's Longest Yard Sale offers everything from antiques, collectibles, furniture, and dishwares to local fresh produce and homemade jams and jellies as well as food vendors and live entertainment. Many shoppers begin the 690-mile journey in northeastern Alabama, taking the scenic Lookout Mountain Parkway to Chattanooga and following Highway 127 all the way north to Addison, Mich. It is estimated to be more than 1,000 vendors in Alabama alone. Vendors are typically up and running by 8 a.m. and operate until late in the evening each day of the event.

Along with shopping, treasure hunting, and bargaining, there is plenty of sightseeing to do. Visitors can experience a world of nature and a variety of restaurants and lodging that is easy on the wallet. Created to get travelers off of the interstate and into towns and communities located off the beaten path, the World's Longest Yard Sale takes visitors on a shopping excursion through some of the country's most scenic areas. The 93-mile Lookout Mountain Parkway has been touted "A Must See" by Reader's Digest, the National Geographic, and Southern Living magazines, providing a beautiful backdrop to the thousands of roadside sales.

Shoppers are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and sunscreen and to bring plenty of water. For lodging information, directions, road closures, and more information, visit www.discoverlookoutmountain.com/yardsale.shtml or call DeKalb Tourism at 888.805.4740.

In 1989, numerous sightings of unidentified flying objects throughout the town of Fyffe, Ala. led the small community to be known as the UFO Capital of the World, and later to be recognized by the state as the UFO Capital of Alabama. As a tribute, the community comes together each year to host the Fyffe UFO Day Festival. Set for August 27, 2016, the Fyffe UFO Day Festival is considered by many, an unforgettable family outing celebration where the only flying objects spotted over Sand Mountain are colorful hot-air balloons.

Now in its twelfth year, the UFO Day Festival offers tethered balloon rides, arts and crafts, games for children, a 5k run, an antique car and tractor show, an assortment of food vendors, and live music throughout the day. Slated to perform are Bill Henson/Glen Mountain, Dennis George, Deborah Avans Peek, The Sharp's, The LST Band, Jack Martin and Forever Country, Danny Lee, Jeff Martin and Caleb Chisenhall, Still Kickin', Backwoods Revival, Notorious, Willie Underwood, Country Case, and Jamie O'Neal.

Gates open at 9 a.m. with the entertainment getting underway at 10 a.m. Festivalgoers are encouraged to arrive as early as 6 a.m. to watch the hot air balloons launch and disappear into the sky. Tethered rides for the public are generally offered around 6 p.m. Also, in conjunction with the UFO Day Festival, hot-air balloon rides across the Sand Mountain area will be available, weather permitting, by advance reservation only. For more information, visit www.ballooningal.com or call 256.461.8612 or send an email to rides@ballooningal.com.

Registration for the 5K begins at 6:30 a.m. with the race getting underway on Campbell Road at 7:30 a.m. New for this year is a Kids one-mile fun run. For 10 years old and younger, the fun run will be held at the conclusion of the 5K race. Registration is available online at racesonline.com. Cost is $25 in advance or $30 day of race for 5K and $20 for fun run.

All activities are held at the Fyffe Town Park on Graves Street unless noted otherwise. Parking and admission is free. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and picnic blankets.

For more information on UFO Day Festival, visit www.facebook.com/FyffeUFODays.

A variety of cabins, hotels, bed and breakfasts, and campgrounds are available to complete the getaway. For more information, call DeKalb Tourism at 888.805.4740 or visit www.DiscoverLookoutMountain.com.

About DeKalb Tourism

DeKalb Tourism is a not-for-profit organization promoting tourism and economic growth in DeKalb County. Our mission includes to provide outstanding customer service to all guests; to provide complete and detailed information about DeKalb County, its history and attractions; to leave visitors with a positive experience; to develop strong positive long term relationships with the people and businesses of our communities; and to be a leader in the education and promotion of our county, locally, nationwide and internationally.