The Village of Iola’s Revitalization Committee will host its inaugural “Junk-in-the-Trunk” community market on Saturday, May 17, creating a new platform for bargain hunters and sellers alike to come together during the village’s annual rummage sale weekend.

This unique event will unfold at the Iola Car Show grounds, located at 350 Chrome Place, adjacent to the Old Car Show building. Participants and visitors will enter through Gate 4 for easy access. With the larger Iola village-wide rummage sale set to span from May 15-17, the timing will offer a perfect storm of second-hand treasures and community fun.

Open to the public and vendors from any location — not just Iola residents — the Junk-in-the-Trunk event will welcome anyone who registers in advance or chooses to join last minute. Pre-registration will take place at the Iola Village Hall at 180 South Main Street, with a fee of $10 if completed before May 12, and $20 for those registering at the gate on the day of the event.

For that modest fee, vendors will receive four parking spaces, which they can fill with tables, tents, trailers, or simply sell directly from the trunk of their vehicles. Vendors will have flexibility in how they display their items, whether they prefer bartering or setting prices in advance.

Shoppers will be able to browse from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., while vendors can begin setting up at 7 a.m. To complement the marketplace experience, Otto’s Bar, located near the Special Exhibit Room in the Iola Car Show building, will be open and serving refreshments throughout the day.

All proceeds from the Junk-in-the-Trunk sale will support future community improvement efforts, as the funds will go directly back to the Iola Revitalization Committee. With its casual structure and accessible format, the event is poised to become a lively addition to the village’s rummage weekend tradition.