Thousands hit long-awaited Wolff's Flea Market reopening in Rosemont
As early as 6 a.m. thousands of people of all ages from around the Midwest converged on the Allstate Arena parking lot in Rosemont Sunday, April 18, to shop the hundreds of vendors at the long-awaited Wolff's Flea Market.
The market has not been open since 2019 due to COVID and is open only on Sundays through the season running from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Parking was tough to find, but everyone was wearing a mask and clearly happy to be there; especially the vendors who came from around the U.S.
“I've almost sold out,” said one vendor from New York selling antiques, records and more, around 9 a.m. “People were trickling in before 6 a.m. It's been great fun and I think everyone is very happy to be out and about. People are polite and distancing.”
Shoppers could find almost anything at the flea market. From vinyl, clothing, toys, Trump 2024 flags (the only political table there), Army T-shirts made at Leavenworth (KS) federal prison, books, furniture, kitchen items, shampoo, tools, lawn mowers, a large truck bumper and so much more could be found at great prices.
Colorful Mexican wrestling masks were a big hit. The vendors noted Mexican wrestling continues to be a popular sport, such as in Villa Park. Guests noted watching throngs of people enjoying Mexican wrestling at a huge fair at the banks of the Willamette River in Portland, Oregon, a few years ago and how fun and colorful the event was.
“Our masks are hand made and each is different,” the vendor noted waving his hand over a sea of sparkling red, green, black, red and yellow face masks.
Kids could not get enough. Slowly pacing herself as she walked with her parents was a 3-year-old girl with long braids, wearing a matching purple jumpsuit and holding on for life to her new pink Princess Castle. As she glanced back you could see the determination on her face to get her new treasure home.
Action figures of all types and tons of sports memorabilia also filled many tables and garnered tons of crowds.
To keep people's energy going there were several food trucks pandering to everyone's tastes. After purchasing food, one would go in the cleaned and comfortable eating area just on the other side of the gate from the food trucks. Staff kept all tables and chairs clean and helped patrons find a safe distanced spot to sit.
“What you need to know,” one vendor said, “you've got to get here early!”
Many vendors began closing up around 1:30 p.m., but the crowds were still there, despite the threat of rain. It was clear that most people made several trips to their cars and back to drop off items they purchased and to head back seeking more treasure and unusual items.
“Geesh, where did the time go?” said one shopper. “I've been here since 8 a.m. and it's already 2 p.m.! Hard to believe.”
Even more crowds are expected this Sunday, April 28, to the flea market and an open Rosemont.