What the heck is the “Junk Bonanza?”

You wanna know the tale? Alright.

It all started way back in the days of yore, when the land was young and beasts feared no man. About this time, the autumn of 1999, a woman named Ki Nassauer decided to sell a bunch of her belongings out of her garage. She was movin’ across the country and figured it was good a time as any to get rid of some “junk.”

Well wouldn’t you know it—the sale went well. Real well. So well that it got her thinkin’. Not more than six months later, she had opened up shop: JUNKMARKET!

JUNKMARKET. Monthly sales were king, back in those days. Word spread like hellfire through the pioneer town of Long Lake, Minnesota, sendin’ customers to her door like moths to a flame. A new breed of antiquer was born: the “junker.” These junk-addicts couldn’t keep their eyes and hands off Ki’s creations.

There was no rest for the weary in the halls of the market. As soon as one monthly sale was over, prep for the next one began. Ki even took on partners in this boomin’ venture. JUNKMARKET became well known for its displays, unusual junk projects, and decoratin’ ideas. People traveled from across the country to this little town just to get inside the store’s walls and see the fantastical creations.

Now, monthly sales are nothing to scoff at. Preparin’ and creatin’ and accountin’ for all the junk isn’t easy. Ki decided to try out an annual sale instead—only this time, she’d invite her closest junkin’ friends to sell their wares as well. And thus, in 2006, the first official Junk Bonanza was born.

Twenty vendors set up shop in the old JUNKMARKET building. Like the monthly sales, customers lined up around the block for an opportunity to browse the fine wares. The occasional tear was shed at the loss of the monthly sale, but the exceptional pickings at the annual Junk Bonanza made up for it. How can ya top twenty hand-picked vendors toting their best junkin’ goods?

Add more hand-picked vendors. Over one-hundred, in fact! 2007 and 2008 brought the Junk Bonanza to larger stompin' grounds that housed all the junk you’d ever care to see. Good junk, too. No Beanie Babies here, pardner.

This year’s shapin’ up to be the best Junk Bonanza yet. Junk Bonanza 2009 is heading to Canterbury Park. More vendors, more junk, and more fun await the keen-eyed junker. For those that are so inclined, there’ll be activities, events and prizes! Check out the schedule. Though the junk is dandy, there’s downtime shenanigans to be had!

Can’t wait to see you there!