JunkFest a success for vendors and local charities

WILLIAMSON COUNTY - It was a long but satisfying weekend for Murry and Shirley Berger.

The owners of Picker's Outlet Mall near Johnston City were finally able to hold their annual JunkFest that was put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We're happy to be there this weekend," said Murry on Saturday morning as more than 60 vendors completed setting up booths, spurred on by a mix of oldies tunes from local DJ John "Big Elvis" Milani of Herrin.

Among those setting up were volunteers from Heaven's Kitchen, as well as employees from Vernell's Interstate Service collected food donations bound for area food pantries.

Berger said that giving back to the community is a big part of the success he and his wife enjoy.

Heaven's Kitchen benefitted from the Berger's generosity, bringing in donations as well as a new list of volunteers.

Several volunteers manned the booth over the two-day event including Stefanie Anderson and Kathy Metcalf from Southern Illinois LOCAL Media Group, the media partner for Heaven's Kitchen Marion, Laken Moore, Rhonda Soldner, and Jason Powell.

A car show featuring more than two dozen entries on Sunday afternoon completed the weekend.

In fact, 8-year-old Jesse Harp of Carterville was very happy, as he copped off the weekend with the Picker's Choice award, given to him by another competitor who felt he had earned it through hard work.

"I've been busy this weekend," he said. "I've made lots of money."

Along with entering the car show with his dad, Grant, Jesse also operated a booth selling Hot Wheels.