Tree Streets Yard Sale Carries on Tradition

The 2019 Tree Streets Yard Sale opened in Johnson City for the 29th consecutive year on Sept. 6. These yard sales are unlike any other and are highly anticipated every year. Shoppers travel from surrounding states, including Illinois, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida to find treasures at the Tree Streets. Although the Tree Streets Sale is open only for one weekend, it attracts over 30,000 people, according to the Tree Street Website.

Elise Greene, a sophomore double majoring in church leadership and psychology went to the sales for the second year in a row. 

“This yard sale is a lot bigger than any other yard sale I have ever been to,” Greene said. “It is a cool way to see an entire community come together to carry on a tradition.” 

According to the Tree Street Website: the sale area is bound by W. Walnut Street, University Parkway and South Roan Street, and “Southside School is the center of all the action.” 

Over the weekend, shoppers can visit over 100 different sellers. 

“Some people even rent out food trucks, snow cone machines and funnel cake makers and put them in their yard for people to buy, which is kind of wild,” Green said. 

The Johnson City Press reported that 15,000 people occupied the 35-block area to attend this year’s sales.

Greene described the sales as huge, eclectic and interesting. “I found a $3 sweater originally from The Loft this year which was a steal,” Greene said. “The Tree Streets just have so much to offer.”

Greene said the sales were worth checking out, even with the temperature being almost 90 degrees. “For a broke college student with no money, the Tree Street Sales are a good time,” Greene said. “I have to wake up early on a Saturday, but it’s worth it.”

Headline photo: Shoppers browsing at the Tree Streets Sales. Photo from the Johnson City Press.