Why come to Gold Rush days? It’s really very simple.
Come to Gold Rush days and you won’t leave empty-handed especially if you have something specific in mind. This is definitely the place to find it, and by “IT” I mean anything! Whether you’re building, remodeling, furnishing, or just looking for a little accent piece to change or brighten up a room. You will also come across some amazing and unique gifts that are “One of a Kind”.
Gold Rush Days, Ornococo, MN is about 15 minutes north of Rochester and is always held the 3rd weekend in August. (Not to be confused with GRD Rochester.) It is a Non Profit event that donates its proceeds back to the community.
The volunteer staff and locals are great! The town opens up their yards for vendors and overflow parking. There are even people with carts and 4wheelers to help you get the larger items to your vehicle.
A lot of these vendors are not found online and can only be found at GRD once a year. Some vendors travel from various parts of the country just to join us here at GRD! Let’s meet some!
Junk Devotion
Cheryl and Philip (Woody) Woodward of Pine Island, MN. Both fully employed, but also have Junk Devotion, a hobby/business.
“Approximately 15 years ago we started seeing ideas for turning trash into treasures and we were hooked.”
The picking part of the job isn’t as glamorous as it sounds. Some of the places they hunt have years worth of dirt and grime built up. Hunting through garage sales, flea markets and dumpsters, barns, sheds and grandma’s house to save things that would otherwise go to the landfill. Items are then hauled & cleaned to reveal what treasures are buried beneath the dirt.
Woody works on building or rebuilding furniture and Cheryl’s specialty is painting small pieces of furniture. “It’s so fun to see how a piece can be given new life with just a little paint.”
“Our favorite, and largest sale of the year, is the Downtown Oronoco Goldrush Days, held in Oronoco, MN in August of each year.” “It’s so much fun to meet other vendors, as well as customers from all over the country.”
https://www.facebook.com/Junk-Devotion-115984551792958
Kevin Hackney Antiques
Kevin Hackney Antiques specializes in antique furniture and restoration.
Kevin Hackney is an antique dealer from Gifford Iowa. Kevin has been doing all sorts of shows for 35 years, and quite a few years here at the Gold Rush Days. This show is at the top of his to-do list every year. “I look forward to seeing the friends I’ve made at Gold Rush Days.”
Kevin’s grandmother was in the business for 50 years and got him started with restoring antique furniture. “I love doing this.”
Seeing the pieces Kevin has restored shows how much time he puts into these pieces. He makes them beautiful again! It’s amazing the difference from start to finish with these pieces!
Cypress & Clay – Rochester MN
Cypress & Clay is creating tiny tangible proof that everything can be molded into something new and beautiful.
Walking past the booth, it caught my eye with the many colors & designs of handmade jewelry. I was in that booth for quite awhile! The booth had a great welcoming vibe to it and a positive sense of happiness. There are so many varieties and options in this booth! You will notice that no two pieces are alike!
The polymer clay designs were started in 2020 by two sisters, Mercedes and Vanessa, as a pandemic hobby.
They are finding that their art is helping to guide healing caused from anxiety and depression. A therapeutic release of the false standards society has conditioned women to believe about what makes us valuable, worthy, and lovable
Mercedes is a wife and a stay at home mom to a sweet little 2 year old girl. Vanessa is married with 3 kids and has a full-time job as a Program Director coordinating services for adults with disabilities.
A portion of their proceeds go to non-profit organizations in their community focused on healing trauma, racial equity, mental health, and counseling for women and children.
Hoppy’s Primitive and Proper – Dave and Shelly Hopkins
Hello, we’re Dave and Shelly Hopkins and we own Hoppy’s Primitive and Proper in LaPorte City IA.
To begin, we have shopped Downtown Oronoco Gold Rush Days for 40 years.
And then 15 years ago I decided that we should bring some of our favorite pieces, (BIG pieces) and set up. We’ve never regretted that decision.
Oronoco is the ONLY market that we set up at. We buy all year (and hoard) away only the best “junk” for our customers. Apothecary cabinets, coffee grinders, and architectural pieces are what we’re known for.
We love Oronoco, the people, the volunteers, and the town itself! It has drawn us back year after year!
Keep on Junkin – https://www.facebook.com/HoppysPrimitiveandProper
Oslo Antiques and Collectables from Kasson, MN
The name comes from the small town of Oslo MN.
“We have been selling at outdoor Flea Markets/Antique shows since the 1980’s. We also presently have selling space at the Second Time Around shop in Kasson MN.”
“The Oronoco Gold Rush show has always been one of our biggest shows. We focus on early handmade primitive pieces as well as our new handmade harvest tables ,benches, and home decor.”
“Whenever possible we like to get the history / story on the pieces we buy so we can pass that on to our customers.”
“The repurposed farm and industrial pieces have helped to bring many new customers to the shows in general. Our plan is to continue doing the Oronoco Gold Rush, The Traders Market and Marigold Days for a few more years if our health allows us to do so!”
Happy hunting those special pieces. Carol and Robert Christopherson
https://www.facebook.com/Oslo-Antiques-and-Collectables-1700024483617860
Vintage Fabrics
She has written a book and travels the world collecting and selling vintage fabrics.
Walking up to the booth I notice the natural and pleasant atmosphere of the amazing fabrics.
As I got closer I had to wiggle my way through the many people surrounding so I could get a closer look and feel of these Linens.
I was able to meet the owner Margie, a very kind-hearted person who is passionate about the product she provides. She travels all the way from Florida and has been doing the show for about 20 years! She stumbled on GRD while visiting a family member at the Mayo Clinic.
Margie said she enjoys the show because the people up here in Minnesota are good, friendly and enjoyable to be around.
People come to the booth for the quality of product, interaction and banter of others.
Many of her customers have been known to use this material for pillows chairs table runners window treatment to name a few.
Margie does not have an online presence as she is providing a one of a kind organic and European product that only seeing, touching and smelling in person gives the full spectrum on what you’re purchasing.
Her product consists of many original hand spun European flax from the 1900’s. Many of these materials were originally used as corn wheat mash and barley bags that have been recycled.
Margie does not receive the product ready to sell but she puts in many hours washing, ironing and folding to make sure they are in acceptable condition for her customers.
Whether you are looking for a few simple additional accessories like a great piece of jewelry for your home or a one of a kind gift … these linens will do or inspire!
Don’t forget the food!
While distracted from all the wonderful treasure you might think you would forget to eat. But not if you pass by & smell the goodness.
Blue Loon Concessions
Been at the show for 8years & best known for cheese curds (Ellsworth) and corndogs. But you must try the wontons!
Their product is made with local quality ingredients which are freshly dipped right on the spot. You can’t get any better than that.
They also offer mini donuts, sandwiches, burgers & sausages…
Mary went from a hard drilling corporate job to a great fun lively business where she gets to be outside and more flexible with her hours.
She gets to meet people from all over and works with an amazing quality crew.
If you’re really lucky when you stop by the concessions you might just get a chance to meet Mary Beth. She is such an amazingly energetic positive part of the day.
http://www.blueloonconcessions.com/
Mama Megs Parlour – Pine Island MN
This is a locally owned family run ice cream business! They are famous for their homemade ice cream sandwiches and recently opened a storefront.
https://www.facebook.com/mamamegsparlour
JUST A MENTION …
The Granny Sisters have some unique natural fairy garden kits, interactive Children’s Book Adventure Kits. If you miss them at the show you can find a few of their things here.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheGrannySisters
Estate Sales By Jim & Julie Kirkwood come from Missouri – they bring a large variety of vintage and antique goods like household items & more. This is a favorite stop for shoppers.
Sleepy Hollow Antiques from Florence, South Carolina. They specialize in European and Mediterranean indoor and outdoor decor. Very unique beautiful pieces selected for the show.
Sparrow Antiques ( also paired with Vintage Junkies) brings a variety of antiques and vintage treasures. Definitely a spot to check out! https://www.facebook.com/SparrowAntiqueseauclaire
MB Weber Mercantile brings primitives, antiques and refurbished goods.
https://www.facebook.com/weberprimitives
Gems Inc. – Does not have an online presence so make sure to stop & see what she is all about. She has an amazing eye and brings a wide assortment of vintage and antique goods.
*Check out the online listing for these vendor Lot locations.
Even with ever changing Midwest weather, always remember your sunscreen & water.