The Vintage Bohemian owner Kathy Foster said 11 local antiques and home decor vendors will be participating in the fifth annual East County Junk Trail event on Oct. 3. The trail was originally created to bring vintage resale vendors and customers together across East County.
Shoppers are able to download a map from the event website at www.eastcountyjunktrail.com that has all the shops with their addresses listed on the map and noted in bright green. The participating shops will have corresponding green signs up on the day of the event denoting them as part of the event.
Shoppers can drive through East County from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and pop into any or all of the stores along the trail, with the potential to earn raffle prizes along the way.
“Since each shop gives out the raffle tickets, everyone has a chance to win something at each store,” Foster said.
The legend on the map indicates which stops have restrooms and food available, as well as which locations will be hosting multiple vendors in one location, such as Alpine Garden and Gifts and Summer’s Past Farms in Flinn Springs.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Alpine Garden and Gifts owner Kathy Matranga said they’re limiting the number of vendors available at their location this year to provide more physical distancing space, but are adding fall decor for sale to make what she calls “kind of a little fall festival” in their open air venue.
“We have about an acre to roam and find treasures so we hope people come enjoy Alpine’s fresh air,” Matranga said.
Matranga said her outdoor shop will also feature a flower booth where customers can assemble their own fall arrangements to take home and decorate with a create-your-own bouquet. Lisa Schmidt said she is excited for the opportunity to show off her wares to the public after having so many events canceled earlier this year from the pandemic.
“Like most people, we sell on Facebook marketplace and Instagram but pretty much every event of the first half of the year was canceled, even farmer’s markets. I know some people might be apprehensive to get out and shop after so long at home but the vintage community here in San Diego is so supportive, I know we’ll all wear our masks and do whatever it takes to make this event a success,” Schmidt said.
She said there will be several vendors set up at her location, the Red Caboose in Flinn Springs, where she will have “everything from furniture to industrial items, doilies to tools.”
“It’s such a cute spot, very parklike,” Schmidt said.
Busy Bee’s owner Vicki Ness said her Lakeside shop is more spread out than usual. “We have more than usual happening this year. Almost all the Junk Trail items will be outside and it’s a great way for people to shop outdoors. However, we’re also having a full estate sale on top of the Junk Trail,” Ness said.
They will be including holiday items this year, a new addition for them with autumn and Christmas decorative items available for sale.
“I’m glad we’re finding ways to still have the Junk Trail after everything with COVID. East County does stick together and it’s good that we’re having it; it is going to be a really happy outside event, participation looks like it will be good,” Ness said.
