Destination - Kane County

The Kane County Flea Market, a legend in the far western suburbs, is held every first weekend of the month on the Kane County Fairgrounds in St. Charles, Il. Claiming to be the “Best in the Midwest or Anywhere,” it offers a shopping extravaganza ranging from antiques to “fancy junque.” The thousand or more  vendors and antique dealers that congregate on these special weekends also offer yard ornaments, furniture, wearables, perennials, vintage jewelry, crafts, collectibles, and refreshments.   

Flea Market hours are 12 - 5 pm on the first Saturday of each month, 7 am  - 4 pm on the first Sunday of the month; a $5 entrance fee is charged, Children under 12 are free.   

The Kane County Fairgrounds are located off Randall Road, just south of North Avenue, with ample free parking. The Flea Market is usually advertised in Chicago and local newspapers. For current information, see the website, http://www.kanecountyfleamarket.com (Check out the Overnighter Flea Market on Saturday, Sept. 29, 2007, 4 pm -2 am!)  

Shoppers’ Tips: Wear comfortable shoes and sunscreen. You may want to bring a wagon if planning on purchasing many items (or bringing a child or two). A lot of walking is required at the Flea Market; there are indoor vendors (inside long barns) and outdoor vendors, so it takes awhile to cover the grounds. Once you are familiar with the layout and the vendors’ locations, it is easier to cruise through. Dealers/vendors may bargain (up to 20% off listed price) but may give more of a deal when the Market is winding down on Sunday afternoons (some start packing up wares about 2-3 in the afternoon). The vendors and merchandise do change monthly; so if you see something you love, buy it then and there. Many vendors take credit cards, but cash is preferred.   

The Kane County Flea Market is a year-round event, so look for perennials and seasonal items in the summer, and note that the vendor turnout is much sparser in the winter (though the hot chocolate rocks!)  

Wrought iron yard ornaments have been very trendy the past five years or so, and the Flea Market does not disappoint. There are about 5 vendors who offer a selection of trellis, iron gates, and urns to spruce up your garden. If you need a plant for your new urns, check out The Greenhouse (Centreville, MI) which offers reasonably priced perennial plants. Richies Riches specializes in cast iron garden planters, fountains, and urns; it’s located outside of the Main Kitchen/ Dining Jall.   

Strolling past the faux designer sunglass and purse knockoff tables, you’ll find some great heavy carved wooden furniture, or Adirondack chairs at Hogge Millwork, custom woodworkers. WilsonWickers and Weaving offers high-end antique wicker furniture and professional wicker restoration; they have been in business 25 years. Village Imports (Iowa City, IA), usually located in Building Two, features European loomed tapestries, vintage clothes and Victorian baby buggies.     

Salvage Beautification vendor Tim Teclaw makes his creations out of salvageable furniture and heirlooms, mainly old bowling alley lanes (the alleys are tops of tables and dressers.) He is located outside, just to the south of the Middle Barns; search for the eye-catching antique bowling pins (the pins are for sale also.)  “Shabby chic” furniture abounds in various Flea Market aisles, painted white, pink and black.   

Other vendors include Ed’s Oldstuff (antique restoration and architectural furniture) and the Donley’s (Valpraiso, IN), furniture restorers who sell distressed furniture. Bright Designs offers unique peeled log furniture (perfect for second homes or vacation cottages).  

Inside the Middle Barns is a wide array of silk flower arrangements, and hand painted signs, some in needlepoint. Greg’s Antiques specializes in fireplace mantels, brass chandeliers and garden items. JillianHaupt + Co. creates and designs adorable nursery accessories, hand painted signs, rockers and chair sets that may also be customized. By this time, your feet may be ready for the German-made orthopedic sandals and clogs offered at Vogelsang Shoes.  

Inside the Main Brick Building, where you’ll also find refreshments, there are vintage jewelry vendors, and a “map” guy, among others. Outside the building are tie-dyed clothing, baby onesies, and other apparel. Also here, brightly hued antique bottles, vintage plates, glasses and jewelry entice customers to sift through and take home. Closer to the parking lot is a high-end vendor from New York who offers gorgeous hand-painted tin tiles. Pricey, yes, but unique.  

The Flea Market will also have you thinking outside of the box, as in, “How can I use that antique printer drawer with the 100 compartments?”  “What an awesome toboggan! Do I need it? Who can I buy it for?”  

One of the best things about the Flea Market is food. Don’t miss the Italian sausage, corn, fresh waffle cones, and glazed cinnamon nuts. Refreshments are sold all throughout the Market ­– try the fresh squeezed lemonade. Look for the coffee vendor in one of the Middle Barns, and make sure you snag a cup of flavored joe, hot or iced. And don’t forget the sellers of edible gifts, such as Crocks and Dips, andtheir spicy Diablo Habañero dip. These vendors do offer samples, so enjoy!  

Since the Flea Market is so vast, there are numerous vendors and items that are not mentioned above (Avon dealers, socks, anyone? Jade jewelry, bamboo plants, folkloric statues, CDs, DVDs, video games… the list goes on and on.)  

Check out the Kane County Flea Market for yourself! Caution: it may be addictive. But it’s still great fun, especially for those who love seeking treasures in the shopping “hunt.” You could soon find yourself scheduling a trip every first weekend of the month (the next one is Sept. 1-2) and playing the Market year-round!

 

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SeeMore Shopping Contributing Writer – M. Braida.
 
We recommend checking with stores for product availability. Suggested prices may change without notice. SeeMore Shopping strives for accuracy, but is not responsible for errors or omissions.

Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. SeeMoreShopping incurs all expenses associated with reviews. Publ.  08/07.