Thousands flock to Elgin High School flea market
People from across the Fox Valley and beyond streamed out of Elgin High School Sunday, many carrying bags and talking about their best finds. Some spent hours wandering the school halls, searching for early gifts or tools and trinkets for their own homes.
The 38th Annual Collectibles, Crafts and Flea Market ran from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and drew thousands to scour tables packed with tools, music, antiques, jewelry, toys, clothes, food, candles and much more.
Jeanette and Greg Hubiak had an eclectic mix of items across their two booths. Jeanette sold some of her handmade jewelry as well as costume jewelry she has picked up from other sales over the years and Greg sold an assortment of items from old Boy Scout patches to glassware.
“It’s time to downsize,” Greg Hubiak said. “As you get older you start to say, ‘I’ve gotta get rid of things.’”
For the last two years, Hubiak has used the flea market as an opportunity to purge from his own collection of antiques and collectibles. He has also helped his wife with a booth for 15 years.
Cathy Nowdomski, president of the Parent Teacher Organization and one of the event’s primary organizers, said many vendors return from year to year, including some who have been around the entire 38 years of the fundraiser.
“This year we have been overwhelmed by the numbers of vendors that have come through,” Nowdomski said.
Proceeds from vendor registration fees, a small entrance price and the concession stand will likely add up to between $10,000 and $15,000. That money will go toward two PTO scholarships, school activities and the prom.
Vendors got to keep what they made beyond the initial $40 fee. One table will be donating proceeds to a fund for Natalie Chastain, a wheelchair-bound student with cerebral palsy.
Kim Simms spent at least three hours browsing the halls of the high school with her mother, Winifred Wolfe, and a family friend, Dee Vanpuyenbroeck. The three women counted figurines, glassware, cookbooks and jewelry among their purchases.
“It’s the best flea market around,” Simms said.