Junk Bonanza Features Local Artist

Bustling about her small stall, Sara Smith was bartering with a customer who wanted to purchase her giant iron windmill. Around Smith are bicycle seats turned into jewelry stands, baseballs into cloth flowers and world globes into roly poly dolls.

“It’s kind of like cars,” Smith said. “I like to take things apart and put them together.”

Since she was a child, Smith has been digging up treasures from trash. Now, as an adult, she sells her art at the Junk Bonanza every year. The Junk Bonanza is an annual three-day sale that has antiques, vintage clothing and furniture, jewelry and decor made from salvaged items. Smith also owns Seasons in Carver, a store that is open several days a month.

“I know this is what I’m supposed to do,” she said. “I’m always looking for treasures—original stuff. I always try to be original.”

Selling alongside Smith is her sister, Barb Bakalyar. Along with sister Margaret Evans and niece Ashley Neff, they had been handling the Junk Bonanza stall since Thursday. The sale went through Saturday.

Up until 2 a.m. preparing for the event, Bakalyar said “sleep is overrated this week.”

“We’re going home tonight to make more stuff,” Smith said on Friday afternoon.

Smith sells a variety of items at her stall, from repurposed to antique art. Nothing is too weird for her imagination.

The Junk Bonanza, which is in its third year in Shakopee had over 130 vendors from all over the country. A group even flew in from Australia for the event. All in all, more than 10,000 people were expected to visit the Bonanza this year.

“It’s just all about junk,” joked Jane Hall, a vendor who owns Mustard Moon in Carver.

“It’s like a big party. And it’s the most exciting one of the year,” Hall said.  

Though Smith’s items were selling well at the Bonanza, she said it’s difficult to make a living off of art. “I’m glad my husband has a job,” she laughed.

But, she said she’s hopeful that the younger generation will get more involved in antiquing and junk collecting. “A lot of the young ones are realizing that IKEA stuff is crap,” Smith said.

It’s Smith’s passion about her work that sets her apart from the rest.

“She’s driven and passionate, and that makes her successful. She’s living her passion,” Bakalyar said.

Seasons in Carver is open the following days this month:

Thursday, Sept. 22, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 23, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 24, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.