Merchandise at the Rice County Steam and Gas Engines Show flea market awaits shoppers.
SOME PEOPLE LIKE THEM. Others hate them. But I am among those who enjoy shopping at garage, rummage and yard sales and the occasional flea market.
Actually, I’ve been shopping like this for nearly 25 years, out of necessity at first, to buy baby stuff and later clothes for my growing kids. Now I shop such sales for enjoyment and the thrill of the hunt.
It’s also currently vogue to recycle and reuse as part of the going green fad. And to think that I am actually, for once, part of a trend rather than lagging years behind is truly remarkable. Typically I could care less about the latest whatever.
That said, just look at the items I found (with my camera lens at least) at the Rice County Steam and Gas Engines, Inc. show near Dundas a few weeks ago.
Not real roses, but fake roses from China.
Some call it "junk." I prefer the word "treasures" for flea market finds.
Fitting with the day's theme, toy tractors were available for purchase. A perfect gift for a would-be farmer.
In hindsight, I should have purchased some of these beautiful old jars for my kitchen.
Even the tractor quilts featured recycled batting, according to the woman who sewed them.
For more information about Rice County Steam and Gas Engines, Inc., go to www.ricecountysteamandgas.com.
© Copyright 2009 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
There is a new flea market coming to Aitkin, MN running weekends May through October. Antiques, clothes, furniture, and other traditional flea market items will be sold.
Readers, if you’re interested in this flea market, I suggest that you google Aitkin Acres. I appreciate the tip about this new venue, Matt. However, I could not find the website you listed and generally, I don’t publish contact phone numbers. I wish you well in your endeavor. Thank you for reading Minnesota Prairie Roots.