FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: John Dersham, Executive Director DeKalb Tourism
PHONE: 256.845.3957 or 888.805.4740 ext. 35
info@tourdekalb.com

Getaways to Northeastern Alabama Feature Yard Sales and a UFO Celebration

Fort Payne, Ala. (July 19, 2019) – Summer is in full swing in northeastern Alabama and two events to not miss before summer wraps up are a yard sale of epic proportions and an event in honor of UFOs. The first weekend in August, 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 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 1-4, 2019, 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 more information, visit https://visitlookoutmountain.com/worlds-longest-yard-sale/ or call DeKalb Tourism at 888.805.4740.

Located on the top of Sand Mountain, part of the southern most tip of the Appalachian Mountains, is the town of Fyffe where numerous sightings of unidentified flying objects in 1989 garnered national attention for the small community. Now recognized by the state as the UFO Capital of Alabama, the town comes together the last Saturday in August each year to host the Fyffe UFO Day Festival.

Set for August 24, 2019, the Fyffe 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. During the one day event, the only flying objects spotted in the sky are colorful hot-air balloons.

Headlining this year’s event is David Ball, whose hit records stretch from the late ’80s to 2004. An American country music singer-songwriter and musician, Ball has recorded a total of seven studio albums on several labels, including his platinum certified debut Thinkin’ Problem. Fourteen of Ball’s singles have entered the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts.

Additional performers slated to perform are Steel City Revival, JT Clark, Still Kickin’, Willie Underwood and Family and many more.

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. 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 7 a.m. with the race getting underway at Fyffe First Baptist Church on Church Road at 8 a.m.

All activities are held at the Fyffe Town Park located at the corner of Paul Benefield Lane and Church Street unless noted otherwise. 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 or call DeKalb Tourism at 888.805.4740 or visit www.VisitLookoutMountain.com.