Thrill of the Hunt

No Minnesota town takes to antiques quite like Oronoco. What began 37 years ago with a single antiques store and a handful of vendors has grown into the Downtown Oronoco Gold Rush Days (August 14–16, fre), where more than 400 vendors from around the country attract 20,000 to 30,000 visitors each day. Savvy Twin Citians, including many interior designers, regularly make the 50-mile trek to lay their claims on items at the event. Set up on streets, parking lots, and front lawns, the event involves the entire community— and not just for the weekend, but on a lasting basis: Proceeds support the fire department, parks, churches, schools, and other local organizations. 

Eight miles south of Oronoco, Rochester joins in with its own Gold Rush Antique Show & Flea Market the same weekend, and then again a month later (Olmstead County Fairgrounds, August 14–16 and September 18–20, free). Some 600 dealers fill 52 acres (11 halls and barns, plus adjoining fields) with antiques, so comfortable shoes are a must. The show’s enormous size ensures a diverse mix of merchandise ranging from $1 vintage Christmas ornaments to Tiffany vases costing upwards of $15,000. 

Holidays mark the dates for Trader’s Market in Elko (May 23–25, July 3–5, September 5–7, $4, 952-461-2400), just south of Shakopee. With some 300 vendors, it’s smaller than the events in Oronoco and Rochester, but top Twin Cities antiquers and junk-market shoppers track down some of their best goods here. The tree-shaded farm setting is perfect for perusing items of all genres and price points, from primitive furnishings to pinup calendar art. 

Exquisite variety in a gallerylike setting makes the Minnesota Antiques Dealers Association Antiques Show (Minnesota State Fairgrounds, June 6–7, $6) a must for anyone who is looking for fine antiques. A keen jury ensures a mix of top-notch dealers, who save their best finds for this event. You won’t find curtained booths here. The architectural maze of the fairgrounds’ Fine Arts Building creates appealing walled backdrops for vignettes of items big (Victorian furniture) and small (vintage jewelry), as well as ideas for bringing antiques into more modern settings. 

Fine furnishings take a back seat at the Junk Bonanza (Canterbury Park, Shakopee, September 17-19, $6, $20 for early admission). Here 100 vendors sell everything from 50-cent elementary school flashcards to $3,000 primitive cupboards. Minneapolis’s Hunt & Gather joins smaller sources from near and far in creating displays of beautiful vignettes—in fact, the decorating ideas alone are worth the trip. Among the most intriguing items for sale are those using repurposed materials—chandeliers built from farm baskets, bracelets made of typewriter keys, cloches crafted from vintage pie plates, twisted wire, and finials. Adding to the fun this year is an appearance by creative guru, author, and Better Homes and Gardens magazine contributor Matthew Mead.

Three peeks at products from Hunt & Gather, whose vendors sell at key summer fairs.

More Shows to Shop

Our runners-up for weekend antiquing:

Anoka Antique Show, Anoka County Fairgrounds, Anoka, May 30–31, $3.50, 763-434-6664;
Star of the North Antique Show & Sale, Minnesota State Fairgrounds, June 26–28, $6, 507-269-1473;
Haupt Antiek Market, Rosemount, free, one weekend per month year-round, including June 11–14, July 16–19, August 20–23, and September 17–20, 651-329-3871;
Excelsior Apple Day, Excelsior, free, September 12, 952-474-5880;
Prime Promotions Antique Spectacular, Minnesota State Fairgrounds, October 3–4, $6, 651-771-3476;
Medina Entertainment Center Flea Market, 500 Hwy. 55, Medina, most Sundays through October, free, 763-694-5994.