Wheaton Haunted Flea Market draws in thousands of Halloween enthusiasts
Ghost hunters, horror actors and a pumpkin carver will mingle with antique collectors and bargain hunters Saturday at the fifth annual Wheaton Haunted Flea Market.
Costumed shoppers will haunt the DuPage County Fairgrounds at 2015 Manchester Road from 3 p.m. to midnight. Admission is $7 for adults and free for children 12 and younger.
"It's a real hoot," said Bob Zurko, event coordinator and owner of Zurko Productions, which runs flea markets, antique shows, Civil War events and specialty shows throughout the Midwest.
Zurko said he decided to launch a Halloween-themed flea market after noticing how popular Halloween items were at his sales.
"People love Halloween," he said. "You can go to the haunted houses and all that, but this is a huge haunted event. We have horror guests, artists who draw for horror magazines, comic book artists, live bands, hayrides, children's activities."
In some respects, he added, the event has become a "pop culture event," with entertainment like a Hula-Hoop dancer and a steampunk rock band.
Jim Decker, the event's entertainment director, said guests this year include Cleve Hall, a special effects artist at a Hollywood horror prop workshop and star of the Syfy show "Monster Man"; horror TV show host Deadgar Winter, who Decker compared to an up-and-coming Svengoolie; and former Baywatch actress Erika Eleniak.
"It's been pretty successful," Decker said. "It's a unique event."
Thousands are expected to attend and Zurko said many travel as far as 100 miles to take part in the festivities. Roughly 200 vendors from throughout Illinois and neighboring states will be on hand, selling antiques and collectibles, including jewelry, coins, toys, comics, records, furniture and estate items. Decker advises to "get there early if you want to get that unique item."
In addition, everyone is invited to take part in a costume contest with categories for funniest, scariest, most creative and best children's costume.
While the event will be well-lit, Zurko encouraged attendees to bring flashlights for shadowy areas, dress warm and expect to "come for haunted fun and leave with haunted fleas."
"We have fun," he said. "That's what it's all about."