What treasures does the ’100 Mile Yard Sale’ in central Pa. hold? Here’s what we found

For one Friday-Saturday every summer, cars line the streets of Karthaus, Snow Shoe, Pine Glen and more for a singular reason — to look for all the best finds at the the annual “ 100 Mile Yard Sale .”

Now in its 27th year, the 100 Mile Yard Sale is hosted by the Quehanna Industrial Development Corporation and is one of the Pennsylvania Wilds region’s largest events. It runs this year from July 19-20 and features yard sales in some Centre County towns and others in Cameron, Clearfield and Elk counties.

Chris Williams, a QIDC member and main organizer of the event, said because of its sheer size and the one-of-a-kind items on display, the 100 Mile Yard Sale brings people in from all across the country.

“This event has such a huge draw and is great for the community too,” Williams said. “Last year we even had someone from Alaska travel down for the sales. It’s wonderful.”

The Centre Daily Times traveled to the event — which runs from Shawville to Medix Run and from Weedville to Sinnemahoning — on the hunt for unique items. Here are 10 of our favorites:

Throwback Esso Gas Station Sign

Price: $1,000

Where you can find it: Burnside Township Park, Pine Glen

The price of gas nowadays is nothing to sneeze at, but there was once a time where gas could be bought for less than $1 per gallon — and this vintage 1970s Esso Gas Station price sign displays just that.

While the sign itself might be taller than the average human being, this former roadside staple can be brought home for $1,000 to serve as a reminder of the days where a full tank of gas cost less than a meal at your favorite restaurant.

Centre County Bicentennial Plate

Price: $0.50

Where you can find it: Burnside Township Park, Pine Glen

For those looking for items cheaper than $1,000, the 100 Mile Yard Sale has you covered there as well.

For 50 cents, Centre County enthusiasts and vintage plate collectors can take home a 1976 Centre County Pennsylvania Bicentennial Celebration plate to add to their collection.

The plate in question is a souvenir from the celebration, held in Bellefonte. Displayed on it is 21 of Centre County’s municipalities at the time and a large “76” painted on the eating-side of the dish.

Lord Calvert Vintage Container

Price: $3

Where you can find it: Pine Glen

While the price tag on the box may describe it as a “hamster or guinea pig burial spot,” this 1950s Lord Calvert Canadian Whiskey storage container — complete with the red wax seal — can be used for much more than a makeshift coffin.

Whether it be for storage of small items or storing your own special beverage, this $3 antique whiskey container will hold almost anything — except the bottle it originally kept safe.

Hot Wheels

Price: $2-5 per item

Where you can find it: Village Eatinghouse Sauces, 1002 Pine Glen Road

The Hot Wheels brand is one that’s known by collectors and children alike because its first toy car was sold in 1968 — and the 100 Mile Yard Sale has all the Hot Wheels one can imagine.

Starting at $2 and then working its way up to $5, one yard sale at the event is home to a display of more than 100 different unopened Hot Wheels.

Trucks, cars and unique vehicles thought up by the creative minds at Hot Wheels headquarters can all be found at this specific sale — and there’s even a few special containers where the model vehicle inside is a surprise until it’s opened.

Vinyl Records

Price: $3 per record; $5 for two

Where you can find it: Pine Glen Fire Hall, 1003 Pine Glen Road

Music lovers can enjoy the 100 Mile Yard Sale too, as hundreds of vinyl records are being put on display all across the event.

This specific batch of records can be found at a stand outside the Pine Glen Fire Hall and offers a host of classics by artists such as the Commodores, Rufus and Gene Chandler.

While the vinyls don’t come with a record player, for $3 per record and $5 for two, it’s hard to turn down this offer on some classic hits from all decades and — who knows? — maybe a record player could be found at another yard sale across the region.

1966 Vintage Electric Guitar

Price: Negotiable

Where you can find it: Karthaus Community Park, at the corner of Park Avenue and Market Street

Learning how to play the guitar can undoubtedly be a challenge — especially if you have no way to get a hold of one.

Look no further than the 100 Mile Yard Sale, where you can find a vintage 1966 Kay Electric Guitar. Case included.

Not all items at the yard sales found across the PA Wilds this weekend have a set price. Some of the treasures to be found have to be negotiated and haggled over — including this guitar, which can be taken home for a price to be determined by you and its seller.

Crosswalk Signal

Price: Negotiable

Where you can find it: Karthaus Community Park, at the corner of Park Avenue and Market Street

Another example of a one-of-a-kind yard sale find with a negotiable price is a crosswalk signal, complete with both the “walk” and “stop” signs.

Sitting straight up, the signal is about the height of one adult leg, so the size of this once-functional piece — which likely sat at a bustling town intersection once before — is not for the faint of heart.

As long as the buyer’s vehicle is large enough to comfortably fit the signal, it could be a decorative piece for someone’s home.

Penn State Merchandise

Price: Varying

Where you can find it: All over the region

The 100 Mile Yard Sale starts in Snow Shoe, a borough just 35 minutes from State College. Given that the yard sales are in such close proximity to Pennsylvania’s largest university, it should come as no surprise that nearly every yard sale participating in the event showcases some sort of Nittany Lion merchandise.

Some unique Penn State-themed finds at the yard sales include a $4 version of the classic “Penn Stateopoly” board game and a collection of vintage Penn State athlete sports cards, for a negotiable price.

For those Penn State fans looking for some more common merchandise, several yard sales along the 100 Mile Yard Sale route also tote blue-and-white hats, shirts and bags.

Vintage 1940s Philco Radio

Price: $75

Where you can find it: 1091 Pine Glen Road

Following the theme of vintage finds, this 1940s Philco radio is one for the history books. Its wood paneling may be scratched, but the stories it could likely tell are plentiful.

Perhaps it can be displayed as an eclectic, vintage character piece for someone’s living room, or for a collector, it can be the missing piece to a collection that’s been brewing for decades. Either way, this blast-from-the-past will run a lucky customer $75.

A Functioning Snowblower

Price: Negotiable

Where you can find it: Big M’s Garage, 75 Market St., Karthaus

Centre County residents are no stranger to inclement weather — including the occasional snow storm — which is why this 100 Mile Yard Sale find will keep anyone willing to pay the price prepared for winters to come.

The MTD gas-run snowblower’s price is negotiable, so for the right fee a lucky customer can take care of all their winter snow-clearing needs for as long as the snowblower runs.