Big Grab set for Sept. 10-11

BLYTHEWOOD/FAIRFIELD – Whether you’re buying or selling, it’s time for the annual 50-mile Big Grab community yard sale – COVID-style.

The sale is set for Friday, Sept. 10, from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 11, from 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.

The shopping crawl is a figure 8 loop that extends up Hwy 21 from Blythewood to Ridgeway, then along Highway 34 to Winnsboro where vendors will be set up along the Highway 321 Bypass, Highway 200 and through downtown Winnsboro back to the Bypass and back to Blythewood via Hwy 321 to Cedar Creek and then to Blythewood Road and down Hwy 21 to Fairlawn UMC.

“It started out at 25 miles as a way to bring people into our communities and to enjoy small towns again, as well as a way to help our citizens put a little money in their pockets,” Gene Stephens, president of the Fairfield County Chamber of Commerce, said.

“The Big Grab has always been a successful weekend for the Blythewood/Ridgeway/Winnsboro communities and this year, with the world opening back up after losing more than a year to COVID 19, people are ready to get out. So it should be bigger and better than ever.

“We are, of course, asking everyone, both vendors and shoppers to observe safety guidelines – wear masks, use hand sanitizer and social distance,” Stephens said.

The event has been a boon to local churches, who have capitalized on The Big Grab as a major annual fundraiser – not only selling their own wares, but also renting out prime selling space to vendors who otherwise would not have had a spot along the route.

 To find the perfect spot to sell stuff, see the list of available vendor spaces, costs, facilities, etc., at the Fairfield County Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook Page.

“It’s not just about vendors setting up tables and selling their wares,” Liz Humphries of Blythewood Consignment said. “It’s a time for people to shop, eat, walk, talk and experience what the small towns of Blythewood, Ridgeway and Winnsboro are really about.”

 “We hope to see vendors set up all over downtown Blythewood and beyond. Some set-up areas will be free while there will be a small charge for others,” Stephens said. “Secure your spot today so you’ll be ready to sell on the Big (Grab) day.”

Those who have space for vendors to set up, contact the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce in Winnsboro (803-635-4242) or Liz Humphries at Blythewood Consignment in Blythewood (803-691-6808).