THE NEXT GENERATION OF FLEAS!

ZURKO’S MIDWEST PROMOTIONS:

THE SHAWANO FLEA MARKET:

THE NEXT GENERATION OF FLEAS!

By Tom Madsen

In 1970, Chicago science teacher Bob Zurko had a vision; why not look toward Shawano, Wisconsin as an area to start a business? After all, his parents began taking him up to the “north woods” when he was a child and the region always left him with good feelings and fond memories. For Bob, it was time to leave the congestion of the city for the clean air, pristine waters and the “wonderful people” of Shawano County.

As a result of that dream came one of the nation’s finest flea markets – right here in Shawano, Wisconsin.

But Bob and his family did not stop in Shawano, even though it is the company’s home base, he has taken his flea market idea on the road and all over the Midwest.

This season, Zurko Promotions will be in such places as Pecatonica, Wheaton and Grayslake, Illinois, in Union Grove, Antigo, Appleton and Iola, Wisconsin and of course, every Sunday (except for Labor Day weekend) until October 17 at the Fairgrounds in Shawano.

Of particular interest, Zurko Promotions will be hosting the Zurko National Civil War Show in Wheaton, Illinois on September 25, 2021. For Civil War students and enthusiasts this is the place to be for just about every Civil War  collectible you could think of. 

So, what can you expect when visiting one of the Zurko Promotions’ sites? Well, to begin, a very friendly, family atmosphere, tables and tables full of bargains and a host of collectibles.

The Shawano Flea Market has been recognized nationally as one of the finest and longest going flea markets in the United States. The trade magazine, The Antique Trader, in its March 15, 2021 edition listed the Shawano Flea Market the seventh best in the United States. They wrote:

“Shawano, Wisconsin Flea Market may not be as large as some of the Big Boys on this list, but anyone who knows legendary promoter Bob Zurko knows why this event is special. Established more than 50 years ago, Zurko Promotions’ longest running event is a Wisconsin tradition.”

Kovels’ Antiques, which publishes a monthly newsletter about antiques and collectibles, rated the Shawano Flea Market the eighth best in the nation.

It’s no wonder, as Bob affectionately calls collecting, “the honest man’s addiction.”

And, it is indeed a collector’s dream, as there is something for everyone at the Shawano Flea Market, including antiques, crafts, coins, stamps, Wisconsin Folk Art, garden supplies, you name it, it’s probably going to be there! The location at the Shawano County Fairgrounds in the heart of Shawano is a park-like setting with food, shaded areas and wide aisles to walk through. As The Antique Dealer calls it “one of the best flea markets in the country.”

Zurko Promotions also has an indoor flea market in the winter at the historic Shawano Community Hall at 115 E. Division Street in downtown Shawano every Saturday 9:00 am to 3:00 pm from January 1 through April 9, 2022.

Zurko Promotions is a family owned and operated enterprise, which includes Bob’s wife, Irene, sister Eileen and sons Andy, Adam and Tim, who Bob refers to as the “next generation of Fleas!”

For more information about Zurko Promotions and their various sites and shows go to their websites at www.zurkopromotions.com.

Tags: Shawano Wisconsin Flea Market