What's Up!

May 26, 2019

What's Up - Your guide to what's happening in Fayetteville, AR this week!

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LARA JO HIGHTOWER NWA Democrat-Gazette A round mid-morning at Amy Daniels' and Julie Speed's first flea market event — it was late September back in 2013 — the duo realized they had a hit on their hands. Speed had to jump in and help park cars when the lot was overrun at the modest venue they had chosen. It was ample evidence that Northwest Arkansas was ready for a large, outdoor vintage shopping extravaganza, and Daniels and Speed were ready to deliver it. The Junk Ranch quickly outgrew its first home, and, today, it is held twice a year — in spring and fall — on an expansive stretch of land just outside of Prairie Grove. With the huge red barn and the gentle sound of cattle lowing in the background, the Junk Ranch delivers exactly what its website promises: a country barn sale. "This year, we are opening the gates early, and we have purchased some shade trees," says Daniels of the challenges of holding an outdoor event in the already- warm May/June weather. The show runs May 31 and June 1 and will open at 8 a.m. both days. "We are committed to keeping our vendors and shoppers as comfortable as we can and to giving everyone an atmosphere that is enjoyable." That also means enjoying 10 food trucks. "We are super-excited to add Miller's Homemade Ice Cream this year," says Speed. "They are an Amish family business, and their equipment looks like an old John Deere tractor. We can't wait to see it in action." Daniels says 100 vendors that she calls "junkers, makers and artisans" from six states will be setting up on the grounds of the Junk Ranch. She says repeat Junk Ranch shoppers are always excited about the release of the vendor list and map. "This show guide goes out in a newsletter, and it is probably the event information that is anticipated the most," she says. "Our shoppers really enjoy putting together a game plan of which booths they want to run to first — and who can blame them?" Daniels says shoppers can get their own copy of the map at thejunkranch.net. The event will again feature live music throughout both days, but, this year, there is also something new. "Cason Frisby with Rocky Hollow Ridge Music will be on stage demonstrating his handmade cigar box guitars," says Speed. "This young entrepreneur is a first-time vendor, but he is no stranger to the show. His parents have set up with us for four years, and it's such a treat to see his love of guitars collide with vintage." Also new this year: the "Lucky Junky Giveaway Station," a chance to win fun prizes from the Junk Ranch vendors and Prairie Grove businesses. Daniels says that all the work that goes into preparing the grounds for the next show give her and Speed ample time to come up with new ideas like this one and to get excited for each subsequent show. "There are two major things that re-energize us for each event," she says. "One is all the thinking and planning we do while we are mowing the grounds. You just can't help but get excited. The other thing is finding out what our vendors have been doing to prepare for the show. We know that this year's vendors have been to some epic estate sales and farm auctions to bring you the best they can find. There will also be merchandise coming from an old barn in Kentucky, the St. Scholastica convent auction and salvage from a beautiful Victorian home that was torn down by the University of Arkansas. There will definitely be some one-of-a-kind finds coming to the spring sale." No one knows The Junk Ranch better than its repeat vendors, so three veterans of the show stopped packing their trucks long enough to answer a few questions for What's Up! Jon Hatton Rock City Thumps Hatton has been in the vintage business for five years. This is his second year at the Junk Ranch. Q: Tell us what we can expect to see in your booth at the Junk Ranch. A: Rock City Thumps is a handmade goods company specializing in handmade Bluetooth speakers and lamps. Q: Why do you keep coming back to the Junk Ranch? A: I love the Junk Ranch because of the atmosphere, the people and the STUFF! Think "a REALLY good flea market" times 27. Q: When you're shopping for vintage, what's something you can't pass up? A: A well-priced old radio or an awesome wooden suitcase. Q: What's the appeal of making something new with old materials? A: I love breathing new life into older things and allowing them to continue to tell their story once more. Q: What's your best piece of advice for potential shoppers about shopping the Junk Ranch? A: Plan to stay the day and make at least two loops. Q: Sell me on your booth — why should I shop with you? A: If you are looking for the perfect gift for someone that already has everything, or if you just want to have the coolest speaker or lamp on the block — come hang out! Andrew Shane The Purveyor Shane says he has been "buying and selling 'stuff' for 30 years." Q: Tell us what we can expect to find in your booth. A: I carry a very eclectic mix of outsider and folk art, mid-century modern furniture and accessories, primitive farmhouse, vintage lawn and garden, vintage carnival sideshow and lots of "strange and unusual." PRAIRIE GROVE 4 WHAT'S UP! MAY 26-JUNE 1, 2019 FAQ The Junk Ranch WHEN — 8 a.m.-3 p.m. May 31; 8 a.m.-4 p.m. June 1 WHERE — 11195 Centerpoint Church Road in Prairie Grove COST — $5-$10 INFO — thejunkranch.net Two Women's Junk Vintage treasure found in eye of the beholder Courtesy photo Vendor Jon Hatton with Rock City Thumps turns vintage treasures into cutting-edge electronics like Bluetooth speakers.

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