Ralson Creek Labor Day Antique Flea Market has new location

IOWA CITY - Now in its 15th year, the Ralston Creek Labor Day Antique Flea Market has a new location this Monday.

Sponsored by Iowa City's Disabilities Enterprise Foundation, the flea market has been growing since its inaugural year behind the former Uptown Bill's Small Mall coffee shop in 2000.

Tom Walz, the foundation's founder, expects the event to draw more than 1,000 people to its new location at the Johnson County Fairgrounds.

Walz admitted that spreading the word about the new location will be key in attracting people to the event, which should have nearly 40 vendors from across Iowa.

Visitors can expect to see a wide array of antiques, furniture, jewelry, books and other items, as well as a food vendor.

Walz said a delivery service will be provided for large items, and the event has become a Labor Day staple, providing that perfect piece of furniture or housewares for incoming students to the University of Iowa.

'It was created with the idea being, with the large transition and turnover of people every year, this might be a very convenient time and place to sort of resupply themselves,” Walz said.

Revenue goes to the Disabilities Enterprise Foundation, which serves the elderly and disabled.

Bill Ackerman, of Ackerman Antiques and Estate Services, said the flea market was moved primarily because it had grown.

'We decided we better move to a better location that is more level and easier to fit everything, so we took it to the Johnson County Fairgrounds. ... I think it's a very good move and a lot more easy to set up the dealers,” Ackerman said.

If you go

' What: Ralston Creek Labor Day Antique Flea Market

' When: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday

' Where: Johnson County Fairgrounds, 4261 Oak Crest Hill Rd. SE, Iowa City