Doniphan to become Treasure Trove Oct. 1

Now is the time to start gathering goods for Doniphan’s third annual city-wide yard sale, Saturday, Oct. 1.

Serra McCabe, one of the coordinators of the event, says, “The main flow for those buying and selling will begin at 8 a.m., and continue until 4 p.m., but we welcome people to come earlier than that if they need the time to set up.

“Some people start as early as 6 a.m., and that’s fine,” says McCabe.

In case of rain, an alternative date of Oct. 8 is scheduled.

McCabe says past events have been very lucrative for downtown residents and businesses, alike, and she expects sales to only be better this year.

“We want this to be a success for everyone, for Doniphan, but also for Naylor,” she says.

Naylor annually plans its Heritage Days celebration for Oct. 1.

“My intention is not to compete with any other event, but rather to offer more reasons for people to make Ripley County their destination every year on that day. In fact, we have had excellent feedback from people in both communities,” she says.

“What we hope will happen is that people will visit both Naylor and Doniphan, and then end up at the Ripley County Courthouse later that evening for Pickin’ At the Square,” says McCabe.

Chasity Mathis, who is the city treasurer for Doniphan, coordinates booth space for vendors. A fee of $10 rents a 20-foot x 20-foot booth for the day.

Booth spaces will be available at the Riverfront Park and at the (former) Freds parking lot.

“The spaces fill up really fast, so anyone who wants to rent a booth needs to do it quickly,” urges McCabe.

Townsfolk are also encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity to plan their personal yard sales to occur on Oct. 1.

“Who doesn’t like a yard sale?” says McCabe. This draws a lot of people into town. It’s a win for everybody. In fact, w are already telling some of these new businesses to be prepared,” says McCabe.

The idea for a city-wide yard sale was inspired by the 100-mile yard sale held each August along Route 66.

“I looked at that and thought, ‘why couldn’t we do something like it in Doniphan?’ I mentioned it to Chasity, and she was immediately onboard.

The team of Mathis and McCabe works. Each has her own skill set to bring to the table.

Mathis has knowledge of the city and how things need to be done, and McCabe’s contribution is her boundless energy and drive.

Both have a strong sense of community and hometown pride.

“We believe that although people may come looking for a bargain or a treasure, they will see everything else we have to offer and they will want to come back,” says McCabe.

Several food trucks and/or vendors have committed to come prepared to feed the multitudes Oct. 1. To date, those who will be offering “on-the-go” foods include: Courtney’s Food Shack, Wade’s Mini Donuts, Lemonade House Grille (mobile), Back Porch Barbecue, Rebel Cupcake, Short N Sweet, TK’s Loaded Fries, Bridget’s Variety Popcorn, Thomas Funnel Cakes.

The Poynor Volunteer Fire Department will serve all-beef burgers, hotdogs and bratwurst sandwiches.

“After all, everybody’s got to eat. Those who would rather sit down and eat can go inside one of the restaurants,” she says.

“Doniphan is a wonderful place to visit. We know that, but it’s up to us as a community to show people what we’ve got,” she says.