Oct. 4--Though the Hawesway Truck Plaza is often a stop for truck drivers, the perimeter of its parking lot was lined with shoppers and vendors Saturday afternoon.

The truck plaza was one of several spots along U.S. 60 in Daviess County where vendors could set up as part of the fourth Highway 60 Yard Sale.

When the event began, it was in only Hancock and Breckinridge counties and was 44 miles long. This year's sale stretches from Livingston to Meade counties -- about 200 miles.

The yard sale began Friday and wraps up today.

Tammy Mayfield of Philpot and her children, AnnaRose, 9, and Trevor, 11, spent much of Saturday scouting out sales. The family started the day in the parking lot of Kroger on U.S. 60 East before continuing to the Hawesway Truck Plaza.

"We have found a lot of really good deals," Tammy Mayfield said.

AnnaRose and Trevor wore backpacks as they went from sale to sale. Once their backpacks were filled with purchases, they would empty them in the car and start fresh.

The family had eyes out for various items. AnnaRose was shopping for dolls and toys while Trevor looked for collectible knives, collectible cars and video games.

The kids' mother shopped primarily for clothing and knickknacks for their house.

"I'm a die-hard yard-saler anyway," she said. "I've never bought anything for me new."

She added that she also likes to shop at yard sales to support local residents who are selling items.

Maceo residents Mary and Rick Oost set up at the Highway 60 Yard Sale for the first time this year. They had furniture, homemade crafts and other items for sale at the Hawesway Truck Plaza.

The couple attended the yard sale as shoppers last year. This year, they decided to make money instead of spending it, Mary Oost said.

"(We've) had a good, steady crowd most of the day," she said.

Owensboro residents Krista Hutchason and Natalie Hagan stopped by the Oosts' sale as their shopping come to a close Saturday. The Hawesway Truck Plaza was their last stop for the day.

Hutchason said she attended the sale for the first time last year.

"A lot of them have really good deals," she said of the vendors.

The friends picked up several items throughout the day, including some baby items for Hagan, who is pregnant and due next month.

"I like shopping, and I like cheap shopping," Hutchason said.

The parking lot in front of Trader Baker on U.S. 60 East was also filled with shoppers Saturday afternoon.

John Hall, a Daviess County farmer, rents a booth at Trader Baker. But on Saturday, he was shopping, not selling, as he browsed for items at a booth in the parking lot near the highway.

"It's a fantastic thing," he said of the yard sale. "It brings the neighbors all together."

Music store tag-teams on yard sale day

Though a hodgepodge of items was available at the various Highway 60 Yard Sale spots, music instruments and accessories were the focus of the Owensboro Music Center's first Musician's Flea Market and Swap Meet.

Vendors lined a vacant lot on Breckenridge Street that the Owensboro Music Center owns.

Hank Starks, co-owner of the Owensboro Music Center, said organizers plan for the flea market and swap meet to be an annual event. About 20 vendors participated in Saturday's flea market.

"It's been wonderful," he said. "The weather has cooperated ... with us."

Owensboro resident Dan "Buddha" Hildenbrandt had several vintage guitars and amplifiers for sale. He typically sells music equipment through the Web site Craigslist.

On Saturday afternoon, Hildenbrandt had been selling and trading items -- "just not buying, unfortunately," he added.

Hildenbrandt said he expects the event to grow in the future as more musicians learn about it.

Jim Beckner of Owensboro had several guitars, a small drum kit and other items for sale.

"It's a great opportunity for musicians to sell extra musical equipment," said Beckner, who plays guitar at Z's Restaurant each week for Wine Down Wednesdays. "(There has) been quite a lot of traffic. I love the whole concept."

Beth Wilberding, 691-7307, bwilberding@messenger-inquirer.com

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