Written by Stephen Goodale and Gabrielle Pruitt
Most people have heard the saying, “One’s man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” Nothing could be truer than at Thackerland.For those unfamiliar with this place, Thackerland is a weekend flea market just off highway 367 in Judsonia, and is owned by Gary Thacker. Since it opened about 15 years ago, the market has offered an interesting selection of goods for the public. In fact, just about any item imaginable can be found at Thackerland — everything including the kitchen sink, or maybe it was a bathroom sink.From jams to jewelry, touch lamps to tea sets, bags to books, traffic lights to travel luggage and movies to music, Thackerland has it all. Rows upon rows of VHS movies are throughout the flea market, as well as old-school records for those vintage fans who enjoy spinning vinyl once in a while.Sporting equipment also is available, such as baseball bats and gloves. One can find clothing and shoes of various tastes as well.Tammy Cook is just one of the many personalities who works a booth at Thackerland. Sister of the flea market’s owner, Cook has been running her own booth since Thackerland opened. She and others bring items from out of their homes to sell, but sometimes they also go out and buy items to bring back and sell.”A lot of times it’s just stuff I want to get rid of,” Cook says.Sunday afternoons at Thackerland are especially popular, according to Cook. Local musicians come to perform some blue-grass selections for the shoppers.The next time it feels like there is nothing to do on the weekend, take a trip to Thackerland. Amongst the junk, some treasures also can be found at this flea market.
