Junk Jaunt A Search For "Treasure"

For 15 years Nebraska's Junk Jaunt has grown into a "treasure" hunter's paradise, featuring more than 300 miles of central Nebraska's beautiful scenery and more than 50 stops in 36 towns. The circular route follows the Loup River and Sandhills Journey Scenic Byways, taking participants from Grand Island to Halsey.

For those unfamiliar with the Junk Jaunt, it is, simply put, Nebraska's biggest garage sale. Last year, 20 Sidney garage sale aficionados, many of them

"newbies" to the Jaunt, traveled together to partake of the strange and wondrous treasure hunt. This year the Cheyenne County Community Center is again offering local residents the chance to travel in a group to the Junk Jaunt.

"We're going to have a lot of fun," said Brent Jeffers, senior activities coordinator with the Center. Jeffers will be driving the Center's bus to the Jaunt with 20 Cheyenne County residents interested in the experience. Coming back, hopefully they'll all fit back in.

"Last year they had a lawn mower stuffed in behind the seats," Jeffers said of shoppers' success. "Who knows what we'll bring back."

Those interested in making the trip should do so right away, as there are a limited number of seats available. They can register by contacting the Community Center and for a nominal fee to cover travel expenses (with lunch on their own), they can be part of the excursion. The bus will leave at 7 a.m. Saturday and, according to the flyer, "return when we're tired."

Jeffers said plans are to start in the Arnold-Merna-Broken Bow area. Depending on the participants, they might try to make part of the loop around. He said he hopes to be back in Sidney before it gets too late, "but who knows?"

For those who don't think a single day of garage sales is enough, they could take their own car and trailer, for the Junk Jaunt actually runs three days, beginning Friday and running through Sunday. Vendors are encouraged to be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. While there is no set itinerary, those who are more adventurous can follow a map which lists Junk Jaunt towns and sale locations. For those on a multiple-day trip, there are three dozen lodging sponsors listed in Junk Jaunt information.

To join the Cheyenne County group or for more information, contact the Cheyenne County Community Center at 254-7000 or in person. General information about the Jaunt can be found in its Website, junkjaunt.com.