What's Up!

September 27, 2020

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

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8 WHAT'S UP! SEPTEMBER 27-OCTOBER 3, 2020 Dusty, Rusty Relics Loving hands turn history into heirlooms LARA JO HIGHTOWER NWA Democrat-Gazette I n the fall of 2014, Prairie Grove residents Amy Daniels and Julie Speed had a dream: to build an open-air flea market as successful as Round Top and Canton, two flea markets that Northwest Arkansas vintage lovers have to travel hours to shop. Fast forward six years, and the duo have built a hugely successful market that routinely boasts around 200 booths and attracts thousands of shoppers from all over the country to the area, boosting the economy in Prairie Grove and the larger Northwest Arkansas community. The spring Junk Ranch, originally scheduled for the first of June, was canceled due to covid-19 concerns. But the fall show, says Daniels, is definitely on. "The decision to cancel the spring show wasn't easy," she says. "We had to consider our vendors, the businesses that we rent services from, the shoppers and the downtown merchants who look forward to the extra traffic during our events. Even though it was hard to skip one, we think the wait will make this show all the more fun to attend. "We have heard that our vendors have been preparing for months to be ready for this show," Daniels adds. "I know of one vendor who attended a three- day auction out of state and another who made the drive to Tennessee to bring back a truckload of finds for the show. These small business owners are committed to the spirit of junking and are the reason shoppers line up to be some of the first through the gates." The Junk Ranch's organizers are doing everything they can to produce a safe show for vendors and shoppers alike and are strictly following covid-19 guidelines, as mandated by the state of Arkansas: Masks are required for everyone except children younger than 10 years old, extra sanitizing stations will be found throughout the grounds, and tables in the food truck area will be no less than six feet apart. But when The Junk Ranch gates open, says Daniels, all vintage and antique collectors will be thinking about is the merchandise. "There will be several vendors attending the fall show that typically can only attend in the spring," she says. "These seasoned vendors bring a lot of vintage, antique merchandise and unusual pieces. Our event formula will still ensure that shoppers see very little merchandise that isn't authentic vintage, handmade or repurposed this fall." What's Up! talked to several Junk Ranch vendors to find out what shoppers can look forward to. Resurrected Goods Tracie Patterson was a teacher for 17 years, and her junk business was just a side gig. As of June, though, it's her full- time job — and, she says, she couldn't be happier. What do you love about selling at shows? I love the atmosphere of shows and getting to meet the people that actually buy your stuff. And you don't really get that with a [flea market] booth. When people love the same kinds of things that you love, it's really fun. You have someone that picks something up and they say, 'My grandmother had this,' or they'll pick up an old egg beater and say, 'This reminds me of baking with my mom.' It's just that nostalgia. You're basically selling those memories, those connections, to people. It's fun. When did you first start appreciating old stuff ? It's a family thing — I'm sure a lot of people start that way. My granny May loved flea markets, and sometimes I would tag along with her. She would "There are months of buying and making and planning in your house and you never know if what you're planning or taking will be well received or a flop," says Junk Ranch vendor Shara Stacks. "But then, the customers come, some even getting in line early just to shop your booth, and you hear the delight in their voices and the lines form to buy the stuff you found, the stuff you made. There's really nothing quite like it. The Junk Ranch is my happy place." (NWA Democrat-Gazette/Lara Jo Hightower) COVER STORY FAQ The Junk Ranch WHEN — 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 2; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 3 WHERE — 11195 Centerpoint Church Road in Prairie Grove COST — $5-$10 INFO — thejunkranch.net

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