MINOT — There’s been a change of ownership in town. The long-running Magic City Flea Market is now the Dakota Flea Market.
Gar Wiedrich, Rolla, recently completed the purchase of the Magic City Flea Market. In addition to changing the name, he says he hopes to make a few improvements to the already popular events.
“I’m hoping to expand the number of vendors and, my primary goal, is to increase the number of people coming to the shows." Gar Wiedrich, Dakota Flea Market owner
“I’m hoping to expand the number of vendors and, my primary goal, is to increase the number of people coming to the shows,” said Wiedrich. “The two go hand in hand.”
Wiedrich, President of Turtle Mountain State Bank in Belcourt and an avid antique collector, is no stranger to flea markets and craft shows. He estimates he and his wife have attended up to 300 of them in the past 25-30 years, including the Magic City Flea Market several years running.
LeAnne Zeltinger, then owner of the Magic City Flea Market, inquired of Wiedrich last December if he would be interested in buying the show. After giving it some thought and creating a business plan, an agreement was reached.
“I have two daughters in Minot. We’re running it as a family business,” said Wiedrich.
Wiedrich said he hopes to use his many contacts he has made while attending shows over the years to increase the number of vendors. The Dakota Flea Market’s first show is set for February 12-13 at the North Dakota State Fairgrounds.
“It’ll be in both the 4-H room and the FFA room,” said Wiedrich. “I’ve got 75 vendors so far and room for more.”
Wiedrich acknowledges that he has a few challenges to overcome, such as COVID-19 which has played a part in limiting customer attendance, including Canadian visitors.
“When you come to the show, there’s a pretty good chance one of those vendors will have something for you."Wiedrich
“I think it’ll take a while to build it back, but we’re going to try some different things to increase foot traffic. It’s good for Minot too,” stated Wiedrich. “When you come to the show, there’s a pretty good chance one of those vendors will have something for you. Lefse, baked goods too. It’s all there. It’s a great way to spend 2 or 3 hours on a Saturday or Sunday.”
2022 Dakota Flea Market schedule:
February 12-13
March 5-6
April 2-3
April 30-May 1
Sept. 10-11
Oct. 8-9
Nov. 12-13
Dec. 3-4
Hours:
Saturday 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Sunday 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
