Re-Thunk Junk trail beckons treasure-seekers this weekend

Published 8:22 am Friday, October 20, 2023

The Re-Thunk Junk Flea Market Trail is returning to Allen Parish this weekend.

This the seventh year the event has been held throughout the parish, according to Tourist Commission Director Adagria Haddock.

The 60-mile-long flea market and garage sale will be held 7 a.m.- 5 p.m. Friday and 7 a.m.-3 p.m.Saturday – rain or shine, she said.

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“This is a good chance to bring awareness to Allen Parish and get people to come and see what we have,” Haddock said. “We want to get people off the main roads and hopefully, they will stop at our restaurants and convenience stores, check out our local businesses and maybe spend a night at a local hotel.”

The event will feature more than 70 flea markets, garage sales, arts and crafts and other activities scattered along the trail. The route will stretch along U.S. 190 from Reeves to Kinder, then continue along U.S. 165 to Kinder, Oberin and Oakdale before turning off on La. 10 to Elizabeth.

Reeds Bridge Road off of U.S. 165 northwest of Oberlin has been added to the trail this year.

Bargain hunters can start anywhere along the trail, Haddock said.

“We are hoping the weather will be nice and it will be a good day to treasure hunt,” Haddock said.

Dozens of hot spot locations with five or more vendors will be located in Reeves, Kinder, Oakdale and Elizabeth with the largest being at the Veterans Park off U.S. 165 in Oberlin and Allen Parish Cultural Center off U.S. 165, just north of Kinder. Maps will be available at designated sites to direct shoppers to the vendors.

‘“Whether you are a vendor or a junker at heart, there is plenty to keep you busy,” Haddock said. “And you never know what you will find. One man’s trash is another person’s treasure. It’s always an adventure.”

The trail will consist of families, businesses, churches and others setting up tents and tables in their yards and along the trail displaying various times including home decor, holiday decorations, clothes, candles, toys,  jewelry, baby items, soaps, wind chimes, books, used tools and more.

Barbecue hamburgers, chicken, pork steaks, tables, wings and seafood platters will also provide fuel for hungry shoppers.

Shoppers are also encouraged to visit area businesses, restaurants and convenience stores during the day.

For a list of hot spot locations or more information on the event, call 337-639-4868 and leave a message if no one answers or search Re-Thunk Junk 2023 on the Allen Parish Tourism website at www.allenparish.com.