Off-Chicago Selections: Rosemont Flea Market

Okay, so I'm technically cheating this entry by telling you about an event that is in a suburb, not the city of Chicago. But I feel I need to make a special exception because:

1.  I've been going to this place since I was a child
2. It's near a Chicago blue line train stop (definitely doesn't make it in the city, but that's got to count for something, right?)
3. It's the absolute most fun you can have at 6 A.M. on a hot summer Sunday

So let me get right down to it: from April to October, there is a large flea market with hundreds of vendors in the parking lot of the Allstate Arena every Sunday. The market runs from about 6 A.M. to 1 P.M., and I'd advise getting there as early as possible to make sure you get to check out as many vendors as possible. This may seem tedious at first, but the variety of products you see at this market makes the early hours worth it. And I do mean variety: I've purchased some of the weirdest, most one-of-a-kind items at this market. Every new trip is a chance to find another treasure at a low price.

But variety doesn't just mean kitschy, artistic pieces. One of the best things about the market is that people are selling anything and everything you could imagine: clothes, school supplies, tupperware, even food (there's an absolutely adorable family that sells corn from their farm every year, which I always make sure to get). People often view flea markets as very hippie or boheme, but this market has just as many average citizens selling their regular junk as it does artisans. Think of a large-scale garage sale: there's got to be something for everyone!

And the best part? There's a wonderful sense of camaraderie between all the vendors and consumers. Even as you haggle with someone for their overpriced antique dining set, there's a sense of respect and mutual enjoyment. So if you're willing to make the trek out to Rosemont, you simply have to give this flea market a try!

For more information about times and other suburban flea market events, visit http://www.wolffs.com/