Elgin High's 36th flea market could be its last
Fox Valley antique collectors, be warned.
Elgin High School's 36th annual Collectibles and Crafts Flea Market may be its last.
Organizers say a lack of volunteers and looming budget cuts are threatening the livelihood of the long-standing tradition.
"It's a shame," parent volunteer Lynn Chimis said. "It's the kids that are going to end up losing out."
Organizer Toni Kiel, of Elgin, said the Flea Market used to have 50 or 60 parents who would volunteer each year to set up, facilitate, and clean up the event.
This year, there are less than 10.
"Things have changed," Principal Dave Smiley said. "People are working both days on the weekend. They're stretched. It's not a criticism, but we're really scuffling."
Compounding this is future scheduling concerns, Chimis said.
Elgin Area School District U-46 Chief Financial Officer John Prince told the school board in January that energy conservation would help the district trim spending at a time revenues are falling and the state aid is lagging.
Along with lowering classroom temperatures several degrees and turning off lights and computer monitors, U-46 will restrict night and weekend use at school campuses. The flea market is typically held on a Sunday, when campus would otherwise be closed.
The flea market, Smiley said, costs Elgin High around $1,000 to put on.
Profits for the last several years have ranged between $5,000 and $10,000.
Proceeds support PTO scholarships and defray costs for student trips and events, like prom, Kiel said.
The market will take place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at the school, 1200 Maroon Drive, Elgin.
More than 100 antique dealers and craftsmen are expected to set up shop, selling wares that include Elgin memorabilia, old books, classic records, hand-loomed rugs, jewelry, china, wood crafts and silk flower arrangements.
Admission is $5 before 9 a.m. and $2 after.
"We'll really look at our profit margins after we pay the bills," Smiley said. "We just don't have a clear idea of how much we'll make this year. We don't know if people are looking for bargains and will come out ... We've never faced an economic situation like this."