Neighbors come together for Pickin’ Time on 59

GENTRY — Autumn is here, and so was the yearly Pickin’ Time on 59 yard sale event which ran from Sept. 22 through 24.

From Sulphur Springs to Siloam Springs — 26 miles — residents set up stands along Arkansas Highway 59. And, the event brought people from the neighboring towns together; and many people, both sellers and visitors, enjoyed the experience.

For Don Brown, this is his third year. But like many sellers, he’s no amateur.

“I’ve been in the surplus business for my whole life,” said Brown. His stand displayed vintage books for any avid collector. His collection of books ranged from Arkansas history to Monet’s paintings and fly-fishing. This year was a success. Aside from his stand, Brown and his wife also sell their books online.

Inside the “Main Street Pavilion,” which is located at 500 E. Main Street in Gentry (just off Highway 59), many sellers set up shop in the shade.

One stand, “Love + Flour Co.” displayed sweet treats like cupcakes, sweet breads, cakes and cinnamon rolls. “Happiness is homemade” was its motto, and all the delicious delights were made at home by Myla Nickles.

This year has been busy for her. Regardless, she enjoys

“setting up and displaying” her stand. Her favorite part about Pickin’ Time on 59 is the opportunities she has to “interact” with her customers.

One of the bigger stands was owned by Lisa Addington and her husband. Their stand stretched across four long tables with treasures such as vintage tools, books, cooking appliances, and a locked case with rare coins. This is their fifth year at the Pickin’ Time event. And, like most of the sellers, it’s more than making a quick buck; it’s about the experience.

“We almost always see people we know that we haven’t seen in a while,” said Addington. “They’ll stop and visit, and we’ve made really good friends doing this.”

For many visitors, it was their first time coming to the event. Tommy and Addie, who asked that their last name be withheld, found the event on Facebook and they came down to have “a good time with the family.”

What makes the event appealing is the possibility of coming across a treasure. Along this giant village of sellers, you’ll be walking and something will catch your eye.

No doubt, people enjoy Pickin’ Time on 59 because it presents opportunities for neighbors to come together and enjoy each others’ company.

Whether visitors searching for treasures or sellers visiting with friends, most already look forward to a big turnout at next year’s Pickin’ Time on 59.