The Back Roads Vintage Market was another huge success this year. This event was brought to us last year for the first time, and is put on by the Dysart Development Corporation. Last year the event had a great turn out, and people definitely wanted to come back for more. The DDC knew they had to hold the event again this summer, and for many more summers to come!

The weather was perfect, if you don’t mind a little humidity! The sun was shining and the wind was calm. This made it much easier to set up shop than last year, when vendors faced strong winds and gray skies for most of the day. The event this year was held from 10a.m.-4p.m.

Excited shoppers from all over the state started to show up for the day right as the vendors were opening. People came from as far away as Cedar Rapids, Waterloo, Elkader and many more towns! It was great to see so many new and so many familiar faces all at the same time.

There were around 77 different vendors at the Back Roads Vintage Market this year. They had so many interested vendors that all of the spots filled up with no problem, and in not much time at all! Even though the event was almost twice the size it was last year, there were still a few vendors left on a waiting list. In 2013 the Market was just confined to Main Street, but this year due to the increased number of vendors there was even some vendor tents set up on the side streets near down town.

You could find amazing food, live music, wine tasting, and enough antiques and treasures to satisfy anybody. This event is great for the whole family no matter your age because just about everyone will be able to find something they like, and if not they’ll enjoy the awesome food and festivities.

Kay Boyer is the owner of Simply Rooted, a vendor that has been to the Market both years now. She said, “I absolutely love coming to Dysart for the Back Roads Vintage Market, everyone is so nice, and the turnout is great!” Kay was joined by her friend Kate Dreyer at the event this year. Kay and Kate, along with two of their friends will be opening up a new store in Kalona sometime within the next year. They are both excited to come back to the Backroads Vintage Market next year, and will definitely be bringing along some merchandise from the new store!

Chris and Brad Ternus, residents of Dysart, have also had a booth at the event both years called Sawdust and Sparks. They up-cycle and create furniture from many different things. You can find refurbished chairs, end tables, and just about anything else you need to make your home look beautiful! Chris stated that last year they completely sold out of their items, and as she showed me around their tent this year she told me they were close to selling out of everything this year too.

Emily Meier was at the Market for the first time this year with her booth The Picken Shed. Emiy currently residents in Walker, Iowa but grew up in Elkader. She stated “I’m absolutely loving the Market so far, the event is very well organized, all of the other vendors are extremely friendly, and the customers are great!”

If you missed the Backroads Vintage Market this year don’t worry, it will definitely be back next year! A big thank you goes out to all of the volunteers who helped make this wonderful event happen, all of the vendors and customers who braved the heat and of course the Dysart Development Corporation! Until next year!