Bargains Galore on 64 brought people galore to Atkins Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Bargains Galore on 64 is 130 miles of yard sales stretching from Fort Smith to Conway. The event was started four years ago by an antique dealer in Ozark, Linda Hiles, who thought this was a way to boost sales during a time that is usually slow for antique stores and flea markets.
Joe Williamson of the Petit Jean Area Antique and Collectible Dealer Association in Morrilton told The Chronicle that an estimated 15,000 people shopped in Morrilton during the three-day event. He said that Atkins probably saw close to the same amount. He said that most of the shoppers would go about half of the 130-mile stretch and that Russellville and Clarksville were usually the breaking point.
The Petit Jean Area Antique and Collectible Dealer Association organized the event for Morrilton this year. They set up booth space in the downtown and publicized the event. Williamson said that they had 90 vendors just in the downtown area. That number is up from 71 last year. The number of shoppers was also up this year from last year’s estimated 12,000.
Bargains Galore was publicized in three national magazines this year including Southern Living, Southern Traveller, and Better Homes and Gardens. Williamson said that people came here from all over the country. He had reports of people from Massachusettes, Connecticut, and California, to name a few. He said one couple from Oregon saw an article in a magazine last week, booked a flight the next day, flew here and rented a van.
Williamson estimated that the event brought $150,000-200,000 to Morrilton alone. He pointed out that this inflow of disposable income helps all area businesses in addition to the boost in sales tax income for the area.
In Atkins, cars were parked all along Highway 64. Traffic was moving at about 20-30 miles per hour, and people were walking across the highway with little trouble.
Atkins restaurants reported a significant boost in sales during the event. José Ayala of Atkins International Cafe and Deli said that Friday and Saturday his business increased 40-50 percent. His restaurant is right on Highway 64, and he said, “Saturday was crazy here.”
Darlene Noblett of Atkins Country Kitchen said they also had a very busy Saturday.
Beverly’s Family Diner estimated that their business Thursday and Friday nearly doubled. Owner Beverly Kemp said she had customers from other states including Tennessee and Missouri. Atkins BP also reported a busy weekend.
