Harlem market to open

Kathy Ham is praying for sunshine for this weekend.

Why? Harlem's fourth annual Trash to Treasures Market event.

"The past three years, it has rained on us," said Ham, the head of Harlem's Industry, Trade and Tourism Department.

The city-sponsored market, which in essence will operate much like a flea market, will be set up from 8 a.m. to noon in the field next to Harlem United Methodist Church on Georgia Highway 78.

Ham said the market is an opportunity to clean out attics and closets for items to sell from a free reserved space at the event.

"A lot of people come out and set up,'' Ham said of the event, which grows every year.

Ham said nearly 80 people have reserved 10-foot squares of selling space.

Concessions will be provided by the Industry, Trade and Tourism Department as a fund-raiser for the Laurel and Hardy Museum, Ham said. Many of the city's Relay for Life teams will set up booths to benefit the American Cancer Society.

There is no cost for using the space to sell items, and the event isn't restricted to residents. Still, Ham said, sellers need to reserve a space by calling 556-0401.