August 2025

Sellers and buyers ready to descend on tiny town for big flea market

It’s flea market time in the tiny town of Sparks, which boasts a population of only nine, according to the website for the Sparks Antiques and Collectibles Flea Market.

Its population soars to more than 75,000 for the flea market.This year, the fall show is set for Aug. 28-Aug. 31. The market will include more than 500 vendors selling antiques, vintage finds, collectibles, toys, furniture, home décor, and more. The town is located about 30 miles west of St. Joseph, MO.

For more information, including info on lodging and parking, visit www.sparksantiquesandcollectibles.com.

August 2025

All aboard! (for the Mid-America Train
and Toy Show)

Whether you’re a serious collector or simply a kid at heart, don’t miss out on the Mid-America Train and Toy Show, Aug. 3 at the KCI Expo Center in Kansas City, MO.

Groups and organizations dedicated to collecting model trains and related items will set up booths full of information, and more than 200 vendors will be on hand, buying and selling trains and toys. There also will be free train movies to enjoy, door prizes and concessions for sale. Parking is complimentary. Admission cost is $5 for adults; children 12 and younger are free.

For more information, visit www.midamericatrainandtoyshow.com.

August 2025

Free Fair back in Lamar

Missouri’s largest free fair will offer several days of entertainment when it descends on downtown Lamar, Aug. 16-23.
Highlights of the fair will include the Rotary Fair Queen Pageant, as well as a carnival, youth livestock show, art show, food vendors, parades, and blue-ribbon contests.

The fair will take place in the town’s Constitution Square in downtown Lamar.

For more information, call 417-850-2033 or visit www.bartoncounty.com/fair.

September 2025

Bella Rustina back again for Fall Fun

Conway will once again host the Bella Rustina Modern Vintage Market, Sept. 5-7 inside the Conway Expo Center.

More than 300 booths will be set up inside the venue, selling both vintage and vintage-inspired items, as well as handmade treasures. Multiple food trucks will also be on site to feed hungry shoppers. Admission is $10 for the early buying day on Friday, Sept. 5, and it’s $10 for Saturday, Sept. 6, and $5 for Sunday, Sept. 7.

For more information, visit www.bellarustina.com.

July 2025

Browse more than 300 booths at Bella Rustina

Conway will once again host the Bella Rustina Modern Vintage Market, July 11-13 inside the Conway Expo Center.

More than 300 booths will be set up inside the venue, selling both vintage and vintage-inspired items, as well as handmade treasures. Multiple food trucks will also be on site to feed hungry shoppers. Admission is $10 for the early buying day on Friday, July 11, and it’s $10 for Saturday, July 12, and $5 for Sunday, July 13.

For more information, visit www.bellarustina.com.

July 2025

Red Wing annual show and sale brings collectors together

Take your Red Wing pottery collection to the next level by attending the Red Wing Collectors Society Inc.’s annual show and sale at the organization’s 2025 Crockfest Convention. A wide variety of Red Wing stoneware, pottery and antiques will be available to buy during the convention, at which attendees will be able to enjoy auctions, live music and BBQ. The convention takes place July 10-12, while the show and sale take place on July 12. All events take place at the River Bluff Education Center in Red Wing. This year is the convention’s 48th.

For more information, call 651-388-4004 or visit www.redwingcollectors.org.