Keeping the story going

By Ben Olson
Reader Staff

When choosing a theme for the annual Funky Junk Antique and Craft Festival, founder and organizer Jennifer Wood often lands on a topic that celebrates the history and culture of this region that she has loved all her life. 

This year, however, inspiration struck from an unexpected place: Her husband, Nathan, was captured by the history and storytelling in a book he picked up from 1901.

“I love that he got to be this book’s next story,” Wood told the Reader. “I said, ‘That’s a perfect theme.’”

Wood chose to theme this year’s festival, “Keep the Story Going, Be Something’s Next Chapter,” both to give a nod to her love of books and institutions like the library, which help promote reading, but also to emphasize the upcycling quality of her show, which returns to Sandpoint for the 18th year on Saturday, April 26 and Sunday, April 27 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., both days at the Bonner County Fairgrounds.

The show, which has become Idaho’s largest and longest-running antique and craft festival, draws more than 100 vendors, selling everything from antiques to gardening decor, crafts, vintage clothing, books and anything in between.

“Ever since we moved the show to spring, everybody is looking for stuff for their garden,” Wood said. “Bonner County Gardeners Association will have plants there, we’ll have booths full of perennials and decor. This year we’re two weeks before Mother’s Day for people looking for gifts for mom.”

Along with the variety of Funky Junk items, Wood said a great addition has been vintage clothing booths.

“That’s becoming more of a hit with the younger crowd and teenagers,” she said.

Along with the vendors, there will be live music by Dirk Swartz both days, starting at 10 a.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. Sunday.

Wood said part of the glory of putting on Funky Junk every year is embracing the self-sustainable lifestyle that always remains popular, but especially in times of economic insecurity.

“People want to be self-sustainable,” she said. “The more we can do that, the more we can keep money in our pockets. We like to support places that need the extra funding, like small businesses, local thrift stores, local antique shops. … Being part of that sustainability, I think, is a strength.”

Wood’s favorite part of Funky Junk is watching all the different people interact with one another.

“I love seeing old men in their flannel shirts and hats sitting and listening to music next to a group of people who look like they just came back from a girlfriends’ weekend at their lake house.”

Coming into her 19th year hosting Funky Junk, Wood said she is honored to put on an annual event that draws together so many people.

“It makes me so proud, because this is my hometown,” she said. “I remember dressing up for the Fourth of July parades, putting on my poodle skirt for Lost in the ’50s, being a part of all these Sandpoint events. I love this town.”

Despite rental fees increasing dramatically this year at the Fairgrounds, Wood said it’s important to keep the costs low for attendees, so the admission fees are only $10 for the general public, with kids 12 and under entering free. There is also no charge for parking.

Along with the multitude of upcycled products on sale, Funky Junk will also have food and drinks available to purchase. 

Visit funkyjunkantiqueshow.com for more information.