Bargain hunters return to St. Charles for the Kane County Flea Market

Veteran bargain hunters pulling wagons full of new treasures cruised the booths Sunday while others juggled purchases in their arms, as the Kane County Flea Market returned to the Kane County Fairgrounds in St. Charles.

Jennifer Hastert of St. Charles brought her mother, Norma Albright of Plano, to shop for decorative metal art and letters. Albright scored a metal star, a letter "A" for Albright and an ampersand sign "for whatever," she said.

Hastert has been to the market a few times in the past and was helping her newcomer mother with her purchases.

"I'm here to keep her company and carry her stuff," she added. "She's already planning her next visit."

Vendor Logan Myers of Elgin described his collection for sale as "toys, collectibles and electronics." Grouped together in his booth area were five lower body mannequins with long legs. Displayed upright but upside down, the feet of one of the mannequins served as the perfect place to display a plastic robotic mask and a rubber horse mask.

Myers said three or four of the mannequins - prices start at $35 and are negotiable - had already sold for the day.

Kane County Flea Market organizers tout their treasures, saying "We are the place movie studios, celebrities and collectors go to get their monthly dose of fun and discovery."

Hundreds of dealers come to the fairgrounds 10 months a year to sell their wares. With rare exceptions, the flea market is held on the first Sunday of the month and the preceding Saturday.

The next flea market is June 6 and 7 at the fairgrounds, 525 Randall Road, St. Charles. Admission is $5 for adults and free for kids 12 and younger.