A flea market on a Saturday that goes until midnight is its own form of quirky entertainment, said Bob Zurko, owner of Zurko Promotions.
Last year’s market from 3 p.m. to midnight in Grayslake drew about 1,500 people, he said. This year’s Midnight Flea Market is set for May 28 at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Grayslake.
“I’ve never seen people buy so much stuff. You never know what you’re gonna find. It’s like a treasure hunt on steroids,” Zurko said.
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“People like to go out on Saturday night and have fun and do something different,” he said.
Shopping will have musical accompaniment by Steve Trent, a one-man band, who roams the Midwest performing rockabilly-type music at events like the flea market.
“He’s really good,” Zurko said. “He’s mobile. He walks around and plays all different instruments.”
Classic cars will be parked outside, and as day turns into night, floodlights will be turned on to help people see. But Zurko suggested bringing a flashlight.
“When you’re looking at merchandise on the tables, there are a lot of shadows,” he said, and the flashlight helps you see the items better.
At least 125 vendors will display wares indoors and outdoors.
Late-night shoppers are attracted to certain items, including, for example, repurposed items such as old push lawn mowers that have been repurposed as garden decorations,Zurko said.
Vendors also bring a lot of what he calls shabby chic, such as an old kitchen cabinet painted white with green and red doors.
“People like to buy those types of things,” he said, “And it’s fun. They haul it out by the truck loads.”
The evening flea market also features such vintage pieces as old advertising signs for soda companies and other nostalgic businesses.
A food stand will offer hamburgers, bratwurst and other concessions.
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Midnight Flea Market
When: 3 p.m. to midnight, May 28
Where: Lake County Fairgrounds, 1060 E. Peterson Road, Grayslake
Tickets: $7 adults; children under age 16 free
Information: 715- 526-9769; www.zurkopromotions.com
Sheryl DeVore is a freelance reporter.