Junk in the Trunk flea market this weekend

A local branch of a national historical education nonprofit plans to hold a flea market in Washington Central Park this weekend in an effort to raise funds.

Marj Lins, treasurer of the Washington Daughters of the American Revolution, said the event, which runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sept. 18, was a fresh idea for the group.

“It’s a new idea for a fundraiser, and something that we think will appeal to a lot of people,” she said. “A lot of people like to go to rummage sales and garage sales. So this way, it’s more condensed. Instead of coming to a town to go here and here and here, it’s all in one spot.”

Lins said revenue from the event would come from the reservation fees to book spots, and would go toward local scholarships and historical preservation efforts. Spots go for $35 apiece, or $50 for two spots.

“We are using the parking spaces around the perimeter of Central park, so people will pay a fee to use a space,” she said. “They’re 8 x 23 parking spaces, which is a pretty good size. Initially the idea was they could pile stuff in their trunk, but you could come in a pickup or SUV. Some people, myself included, are thinking about just setting up tables, so it’s just a name, Junk in the Trunk.”

Once they reserve a spot, sellers can bring almost anything to the market, with a few caveats.

“There are some restrictions,” Lins said. “They are not to sell food, livestock, guns and ammunition, and I think after that just about anything goes.”

Lins said the flea market would give people without access to yard sales a way to sell off their excess belongings.

“People that live in the country, they have mentioned to me that they’ve wanted to have a garage sale, but in the country, you don’t have that many people come to it,” she said.

To maximize potential buyers, the event was scheduled to line up with other plans in the area. Lins said Washington was listed on a “Junkin Sisters shop hop,” that day, a Facebook-organized seasonal shopping tour around Henry, Jefferson and Washington counties.

The event will run rain or shine. Lins said those interested in pre-registering could contact annrietz@icloud.com, or call 319-461-1125.