New Shopping Venue and Dance in Ava This Weekend

Junkalicious is coming to Ava this weekend, and it promises to be a lot of fun for residents of the community.  The event will take place on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 7-8 at the fairgrounds west of town, and whether you are interested in antiques, fall decorations, jewelry items, home decor, special signs or just browsing through vintage collectibles in the boutique area, the event is definitely a must-see this weekend.

Barbara Comer has organized the two day event which will open at noon on Friday, with vendors showcasing a host of unique and fun items.  Over 45 vendors are participating in Junkalicious, and booths will be set up inside exhibit hall buildings, with several others located outside on the grounds.  

Some names of participating vendors include Junkyard Farm Girl of Lamar, Mo.; Velvet Moose, of Crane, Mo. offering handpainted furnishings; Freakin’ Antiquin’ Vintage Market, of Springfield, Mo.; The Rustic Splash, by Levie Watterson, offering home decor furniture, vintage finds, and signs; Audrey’s Designs, of Ava; and many, many more.

According to Comer, vendors from across the state of Missouri will be on site as well as businesses from the surrounding states of Arkansas and Oklahoma.  

On Friday evening, the event is also hosting a dance.  The dance will be at the fairgrounds, with a DJ playing musical memories from the 50s, 60s, 70s, along with rock ‘n roll, and country.  The dance is called a Vintage Prom, as the evening is a tribute to the forgotten prom dress –– a dress worn once and then forgotten only to be placed in a trunk or box for storage.  

Barbara says the idea for the vintage prom dance originated in Texas, in the town of Round Top.  The successful event was started by Amie and Jolie Sykes, two sisters who founded a company called The Junk Gypsy Company in 1998.  The company is a vintage antique business in Round Top, and as the owners, Jolie and Amie describe themselves and the business, as “a little bit, hippie, a little bit rock n’roll, and a whole lot of heart and soul.”  

And soon after they founded the business, the two also started the dance.  

One year during antique week, the sisters were sifting through boxes only to discover one sister’s prom dress.  They started talking about how sad it was the dress was only worn once and then packed away.  Hence, the idea of the vintage dance began as a tribute to the prom dress.  

In Texas, the prom attracts over 2,000 people, and the occasion has become a twice a year event.    

For those interested in attending the Vintage Prom, please know a prom dress is not required, but if the dress is still available or prom attire is tucked away in the closet –– dust it off and join the fun.   Dressing up makes the evening more memorable –– whimsical and flamboyant. 

A vendor will also be on site to do prom make-up and special colored nails.  An old-fashioned photo booth will be available to those interested in a memento, and for kids of all ages, face painting.   

An area for spectators will also be set up, as a tent with fans will be available for those interested in watching. 

Junkalicious is an event to promote local businesses, as well as to provide an entertaining venue for folks in Ava.  Comer said the affair is being put together in collaboration with the Douglas County Fair Board, and she hopes the community will embrace the idea and join the fun. It is family event and children are welcome.    

During both days, food vendors and refreshments will be available.  Comer said healthy food items will be offered, as well as funnel cakes, hamburgers and hot dogs.  

The Junkalicious booths and exhibits will open at noon on Friday, Sept. 7, and close at 5:00.  The prom dance will begin at 8:00 p.m. that evening, and continue until 11:00 p.m.   

On Saturday, vendors will open at 10:00 a.m., and close at 5:00 p.m.  

Admission is $5.00 per person for entry, and for those interested in shopping and attending the prom, a discount is offered.    Comer said part of the proceeds will also benefit the Douglas County Fair Board. 

For more information, go to the Junkalicious Vintage Antique Show on Facebook.