Elgin flea market draws thousands for annual fundraiser
Emily Steinway, 23, got a quick lesson in making her own potato chips Sunday during the Elgin High School Parent-Teacher Organization’s 39th annual flea market.
Her tutorial came with the purchase of a chip crisper for all natural microwaveable potato chips. Steinway, a Class of 2006 alumna who has been coming to the market for years, said she had her eye on the cooking tool for awhile but was trying to find a good price — something she got at the flea market.
“Every year I come I find great people and great deals,” Steinway said. “It’s gotten bigger and bigger every year.”
About 50 more vendors signed up to sell this year pushing the overall numbers to about 200, according to PTO member Cathy Nowdomski, one of the market’s lead organizers. Nowdomski said turnout this year was better than in the past as well.
“It’s amazing, the turnout,” Nowdomski said. “With the economy we thought, ‘How’s it going to go this year?’ but die-hards came out and the word spread.”
Rosy Ramos, of Lake in the Hills, was a first-year vendor this weekend. She had all natural dog treats for sale and dog sweaters she knit herself. Ramos said she just started selling six months ago at various flea markets and wanted to try out the high school sale — a success she hopes to duplicate next year.
Bill Morse, of Elgin, was another first-time vendor marketing his wares to the Elgin High School crowd. Like Ramos, Morse wanted visibility and new customers.
“I thought it would be a great way to let people know I’m here,” Morse said.
Morse, owner of Seat Weaver which runs out of Elgin Antiques, practiced his hole caning Sunday as browsers filed by, some commenting on the “lost art” he fills his days with.
Thousands of people poured through the high school Sunday, scouring vendor booths for sales and new treasures. Proceeds from the daylong flea market, which can top $15,000, go to scholarships and student groups that field volunteers for the event.
Nowdomski said next year, the market’s 40th, is already set to be bigger and better than ever.