Mike Bednarczyk is dubbing it "the destination flea market in Minnesota."

"It's exciting. I've had people call me from all over," said Bednarczyk, an Ideal Township resident who operates Gull Lake Concessions at area events.

That's the white concession stand with yellow and green flags, as well as two big lemons, that sells barbecue pork sandwiches, cheese curds and corn dogs, among other items.

Bednarczyk was a vendor at the Nisswa Flea Market, which closed before the 2008 summer season. After talking to other vendors, and after the Lakes Area Crafters Market in Pequot Lakes closed, he decided to pursue the idea of another outdoor flea market.

"I look at the economic times we're in right now, and people are looking for a source of extra income," Bednarczyk said. "I feel like, hey, write your own stimulus check. Simply clean out your garage or basement. The time is right. We need a market up here in this area."

The flea market will run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays, May through October, in the area between Sunset Cinema and AAA Rental Equipment Sales & Service on County Road 16.

At $25 a day for a 25- by 25-foot site, Bednarczyk said the price is right for vendors, who can set up Friday night or Saturday morning.

Reservations aren't necessary; vendors will be directed to sites on a first-come, first-served basis. If they like a site, they can request it for the season.

From A to Z, the market will offer anything from afghans to zucchinis, Bednarczyk said, including fresh produce, arts and crafts, jewelry, log furniture and "normal" flea market items.

"It's going to be a nice mix of products. It's not just a flea market," he said. "It's going to be a total market where people can find anything they need."

Bednarczyk said the flea market location is ideal because it's centrally located between Brainerd and Walker, and there is a lot to do within walking distance. People can take in a movie, eat at a restaurant, play a round of mini golf, stay at a hotel or buy forgotten items at a convenience store.

He also plans to offer different events to draw people to the flea market, such as a classic and antique car show, motorcycle show and musical events.

And he's open to suggestions. An advisory board of vendors will be formed to provide feedback from customers and other vendors.

"It's not my market. It's our market," Bednarczyk said. "The folks I talk to and mention - 'Hey, what do you think, what would you like to see?' - the response I got was very, very positive. The people, they love the market."

He appreciates the cooperation from the city of Jenkins and nearby businesses. The AmericInn Lodge and Suites is offering special room rates to flea market vendors.

Bednarczyk knows it will take time to nurture the flea market for it to grow. But he's optimistic.

"To be successful, it's not because of me. It's because of everyone who's going to be there," he said. "So we're looking for vendors. We're looking for people. All you have to do is show up, smile, have fun and meet some new people."

Bednarczyk's No. 1 goal is for people to have fun.

"You can have fun and you can make money. Talk about the perfect mix," he said.

Blue Ox Flea Market

Open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and and 8 am to 3 pm Sundays, May 2 to Oct 31 at Highway 371 and County Road 16 junction in Jenkins

Contact: Mike Bednarczak at (218) 851-1111 or (218) 543-4043