Dan and Laura Dotson, the husband-and-wife celebrity auctioneers who’ve risen to fame on A&E’s show Storage Wars, are moving into new territory. Together with their longtime friends and fellow collectibles experts from Justuff of Redlands, CA, the Dotsons are launching a new one-day mega-show, The Yard Sale Expo & Flea Market, in Pomona, CA.
A family friendly event that merges yard sales with antiques, vintage and commercial items, the Yard Sale Expo & Flea Market will debut on Saturday, June 29th on 50 acres at the Pomona Fairplex in eastern Los Angeles County. The show’s hours will be 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“Throughout southern California, it has become increasingly difficult for people to hold yard sales at their homes,” said Karen Pierce, co-owner of Justuff and a partner in the new operation. “Between municipal and homeowners association restrictions and the fear of being cited or fined for parking or sign violations, it’s just not possible for most people in our region to sell the items they no longer need. We’ve started the Yard Sale Expo to give everyone an affordable place where they can sell all sorts of things.” Note: Vendors may not sell firearms, explosives, food, automotive or illegal items.
The Expo offers owners of antiques, collectibles and mom-and-pop shops an additional venue in which to market their merchandise. Not only will it provide them with an additional place to turn their merchandise, the show will also help attract a new clientele to their bricks-and-mortar stores.
In addition to the freedom it provides sellers, the Yard Sale Expo is expected to draw far more potential buyers than the average family could ever attract at a traditional yard sale. “People from all over can bring their yard sale items to one venue and have them seen by potentially thousands of people. They operate their businesses the way they wish, but without the worry of having to deal with advertising, signage or providing parking space for shoppers. We take care of all of that,” said Pierce. Onsite ATMs provide added convenience for shoppers.
Each $49 vendor space is 17 feet by 25 feet, with easy entry and onsite parking for vehicles or trailers up to 20 feet in length. Vendors may share a space, and they also may stay overnight in their vehicles. There is onsite security at the Fairplex. Nearby hotels, motels and the KOA Kampground Fairplex RV Park offer additional options for those who wish to arrive the night before the event.
In addition to a fleet of gourmet food trucks offering a variety of delicious options, there will be a beer and wine garden, a live band for light mood music, and bounce houses and slides for children. Charity bins will be on hand in case dealers would rather donate items than take them home.
Another highlight is the live lunchtime auction of antiques and quality collectibles to be conducted by Dan and Laura Dotson. Anyone wishing to consign should bring their items to the Fairplex on Friday, June 28, or by 5 a.m. on Expo/auction day. The usual auction fees (seller’s commission and buyer’s premium) will apply.
The Fairplex in Pomona is located at the junction of I-10, I-210 and the 57. “It’s an ideal location, no more than 90 minutes away from any point in southern California. Everyone knows it as the home of the LA County Fair,” said Pierce.
General admission is $5. Children under 12 enter free if accompanied by an adult. Early bird admission, 6 a.m. to 8 a.m., is $8. A parking fee applies at Fairplex At Pomona.
For more information:
The Yard Sale Expo & Flea Market
Tel.: 909-222-0924
Email: info@theyardsaleexpo.com
Website: www.theyardsaleexpo.com