Benson’s Flea Market marks 50 years

Sept. 7, 2018

Benson’s Flea Market marks a big anniversary with a symbolic discount this weekend.

To celebrate 50 years, admission will be 50 cents for the season’s opening weekend Saturday and Sunday at the W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds.

More than 30,000 square feet of shopping is available, with vendors from five states.

The flea market was owned and operated by Ed and Bonnie Benson for 37 years and was sold to Doug and Kari Black in 2005.

While it was hard for the Bensons to let the market go, their goal was to sell it to someone who would not only continue it but push it to thrive, Kari Black said.

“It has taken a lot of heart and soul to really keep this show going some years,” she said. “We have had years with many vendor deaths, changes in the markets and all sorts of things you might not anticipate.”

The market also has evolved with trends in antiques, collectibles, arts and crafts, and direct sales.

There have been many sold-out shows over the years, Black added.

The Bensons still live in the Lake Madison area and stay in touch with the Blacks as a friendship has formed between the families, they said.

Benson’s Flea Market runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Shows are held the first full weekend of every month from September through May.

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Benson’s Flea Market marks 50 years

Benson’s Flea Market marks a big anniversary with a symbolic discount this weekend.

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