Mrs. Cole’s niece Jenny and her husband Zach Gaaskjolen and their three children Clayton, Stella, and Iris own and operate Pearson Block Candy Store and Pearson Block Hous Vintage & Modern on State Street in Belle.
This past Saturday with this Editor in tow a trip was arranged to visit them at the Kountry Junkin event in the Rushmore Room at the Monument in Rapid City.
To our amazement as we entered we were participants in a line hundreds of people long filing into the event.
A few minutes later as we entered we were greeted by Jenny who’s booth & candy display was the first you saw/came to in the great hall where the room was full of booths and people.
Two many to count, but guessing 2-3 thousand attendees.
Kountry Junkin’ Vintage Market was founded in 2012. It was built for the love of junk and all things shabby, rusty, chippy, and handmade.
Founder, Amy Gustafson wanted to bring a market to the area that featured local artists and artists from around the country who celebrate a similar love for all things: JUNK! Her kids were getting older and she wanted something she could do for herself as they flew the coop so to say.
She knew that I wanted to be self-employed to be her own boss and set her own rules.
“Junking” was in her DNA. From memories of going to auctions, yardsales, and even digging in the dump for treasures with my mom and dad yes, you read that correctly, THEY USED TO DIG IN THE DUMP AND OH WHAT TREASURES THEY FOUND!
She commented she would still dig in the dump if they’d allow it but I settle for digging wherever the wind blows her way!
She has a creative soul by nature, again deep in her DNA, thanks to her momma.
Always has a deep appreciation for those who create works of magic with their minds and hands.
Amy Gustafson pours her heart and soul into making sure everything about Kountry Junkin’, from the venue, the food, the vendors, the displays, make a junk lover out of you too!
Read the full issue of the Belle Fourche Beacon by clicking here.
