Preparations are under way in many homes, organizations and businesses across U.S. Highway 12 for Michigan’s Longest Garage Sale Aug. 10-12.

U.S. 12, the nation’s second-oldest highway, stretches along an old Native American trail from Detroit to New Buffalo on the state’s southwest coast. It is one of 16 Michigan State Scenic Byways, designated by the State Legislature to preserve the state’s historic highways. Since the sale started in 2003, it has taken place during the second weekend of every August.

Sales will include everything from antiques, collectables, furniture, dishware, fresh garden produce, homemade jams and jellies, live entertainment and more. Many nonprofit organizations are collecting donations for the sale because it is one of the biggest fundraising events of the year. Other organizations are renting space out for people who want to sell, but don’t have a place to showcase their items.

Those interested in hosting a sale are  encouraged to register their sale on the U.S. 12 Heritage Trail website www.us12heritagetrail.org by Aug. 8 so it will be included on the interactive online map and also in a downloadable prin- ready list of sales. There is no cost to register your sale on the map.

“This sale has become a destination with people from around the Midwest,” said Kim Gallagher, project manager of the U.S. 12 Heritage Trail Project. “Every year, there are more and more information requests about lodging because people are making a weekend out of the sale event.

“Everyone involved in this sale is helping to create a unique travel experience for people interested in history, bargains, scenery and making connections with real people who live in the towns that dot Michigan’s U.S. 12 Heritage Trail,” she said.