BUCHANAN — When Vicky and Bill Sims moved 14 months ago from Taylor to Buchanan, into a smaller house, they needed to get rid of some stuff.

Taking part in Michigan’s longest garage sale was a great way to accomplish that.

“When I heard about it last year I said, ‘oh my goodness we need to do that,’” said Vicky.

Michigan’s longest garage sale began Friday and ends Sunday. It takes place in the homes and businesses along U.S. Highway 12, which stretches some 200 miles from New Buffalo to Detroit.

The Sims, who live on the corner of Ottawa and West Front streets, are one of around 70 around Buchanan taking part in the sale, according to Buchanan Chamber of Commerce Director Ben Sadler.

Cold and rainy weather didn’t stop people from stopping by the Sims home Friday.

“Business has been pretty good,” Vicky said. “I’m not going to be bringing a lot of stuff back in that’s for sure.”

Across town, two New Buffalo golfing buddies were searching for deals in the 500 block of Sylvan Road.

Chuck Baron and Hugh Ponder said they’ve been buyers in Michigan’s longest garage sale for the past two or three years. They usually make a golfing trip out of it, but they were just shopping Friday because of the less-than-ideal weather.

Baron was happy though. He got a brand-new fly rod and some arrows for $6 — a real deal by his account.

Ponder picked up a small cooler, pickles and some shelf brackets — all before 1 p.m.

“It’s great because you get some good bargains and it’s relaxing,” Ponder said. “Plus, you meet a lot of nice people.”

Betsy Vanderberg and Edie and Jess Minks were selling items inside the South County Democrats building at 3175 W. US 12.

“We’ve had a fairly steady stream of people,” Vanderburg said. “Two or three here, two or three there. Busy enough that we never get to finish the story we are trying to tell.”

Michigan’s longest garage sale has been taking place since 2003. A map listing participating garage sales can be found online at us12heritagetrail.org.