I've done my share of yard sales -- my Gray Rock neighborhood holds a fine one every year -- but the neatest one I've ever heard of is the National Road Yard Sale, coming up May 28 to June 1. The venue stretches an amazing 824 miles, from Baltimore to St. Louis.

Most of the way is now Route 40, but our Main Street is part of it too, so look for some bargains when you visit during that time. I guess it's impossible to check it all out, but the offerings along the way will include antiques, collectibles, furniture, glassware and fresh garden produce.

Maybe you will find a bargain, like some of those lucky folk on Antiques Road Show we love to watch on PBS -- although we never guess the correct value. For information about the yard sale, call 765-478-4809.

Roads to Rails

Speaking of the National Road, the B&O Railroad Museum, Ellicott City Station, is opening their Roads to Rails exhibit this weekend. Featured Saturday and Sunday, May 24 and 25 is "Telegraph Weekend," which will showcase special exhibits and living historians. The Roads to Rails exhibit will explain the importance of the National Road and the Railroad to our town's development. For information, call the museum at 410-461-1945.

Shakespeare

I am delighted to see that Shakespeare is returning once more to the majestic ruins of the Patapsco Female Institute Historic Park. The Chesapeake Shakespeare Company is offering performances of "A Comedy of Errors" and "The Tempest," which will alternate June 6-July 13.

This year's event has a lot to offer. First, tickets are free to students age 18 and younger, when attending with a paying adult (maximum of two students per adult), which should serve to encourage children to check out plays they might not attend otherwise. Second, when purchasing your ticket you can also pre-order salads and wraps, as well as reserve a picnic table to enjoy them. Call 410-313-8874 for ticket information.

Gas

I find Kipp Clark's Web site, www.EllicottCity.net very useful. I recommend a new feature on it that I just discovered -- current information on gas prices around Ellicott City. With prices rapidly climbing to that dreadful $4 mark, it makes no sense to drive around bargain shopping. This site will tell you where the best prices are, and should encourage a little friendly competition among gas stations, since the public will be better informed. Thanks, Kipp.

Su Casa

The What's In Store closed in March, and I shall miss it -- we have some fantastic, very tall candles in exotic wooden holders on our living room coffee table from there, and I don't know where to go for more.

However, the good news is that Su Casa is back, taking over the spot vacated by the What's In Store. This is a much better location for Su Casa than its previous spot in the old Patapsco Bank. Here is convenient free parking right outside the door that makes collecting your purchases so much easier. Welcome back to the 'hood, Su Casa.

Volunteers

Historic Ellicott City, Inc. is most appreciative of the folks who contacted the organization to volunteer their help with the Decorator Show House. Thanks! But, more help is needed, so if you haven't volunteered yet, please do. Jobs as house sitters and docents are still available, and it's fun.

Also, the group is collecting oral histories of Ellicott City and wants to hear yours, for possible inclusion in a local history book in the works. Do you remember Tropical Storm Agnes or the big fire of 1999 or lunch at Dee's Kitchen or streetcars on Main Street? Share your memories. Go to www.historicec.com or call 410-461-6908 for more information.

E-mail news and events taking place on Main Street to janetkusterer@juno.com.

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