background image
46
"Antiques, candles, chickens...the variety of items is as fun as the event itself!" Kim Dyer
You know the old saying: one person's trash is another person's treasure. Three years ago, Kim Dyer, Executive
Director of the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, put this classic adage into action. "I had many citizens in town
making comments here and there that we needed to do a community-wide garage sale," she says. Thus, Junk in
the Park was born. Located in Beason's Park, "it's a combination community garage-sale, f lea market, and vendor
opportunity in one of Columbus' most scenic parks on the Colorado River," says Kim. It's "a great way to show
off the park." Vendors pay a f lat fee of $35 for a spot, which Kim says allows them as much space as they need.
She adds that they can "sell from the back of a truck, from a low-boy trailer, or just set up tables in a traditional
vendor style. It is very f lexible for whatever suits their needs and products."
Spring Cleaning with a Twist
Taking advantage of the sunny spring weather, Junk in the Park occurs in April, this year on Saturday, April 13th.
The event is free to attend, and the attendance has been growing every year. "We have had all types of vendors
in the past, including antiques, garage-sale items, candles, hand-made Easter bunnies, puppies, and chickens,"
says Kim. "I think the variety of items is as fun as the event itself!"
As a great opportunity to recycle items that have been collecting dust, the event brings together the community
of Columbus. It also serves as an attraction for out-of-town visitors, increasing sales for local store-owners, res-
taurants, and gas-stations.
Bargain Junkie
Kim's favorite part of the event is seeing a shopper's pleasure at finding a treasure for a bargain, no matter what
that find may be. "I did really enjoy the first year that we had a vendor selling chickens," remembers Kim. "She
sold all of the chickens that she brought!"
Kim is hoping to include a DJ at this year's Junk in the Park, to enhance the atmosphere and add entertainment.
Food vendors sell their tasty treats, and the beautiful park is covered in plenty of shade from the famous Colum-
bus live oak trees. "Junk in the Park is a very fun event for us," says Kim. And it does not hurt to call attention
to beautiful Beason's Park either!
To find out more about Junk in the Park, contact Kim Dyer at 979.732.8385 or kim@columbustexas.
org, or visit the Columbus Chamber of Commerce at 425 Spring Street in Columbus, Texas.
"Spring
cleaning"
has a new meaning at Junk in the Park in Columbus, Texas
By Emily Barnby