RISON - The Great South Arkansas Junk Hunt just wrapped up its 10th year of hunts and is looking to make some changes to the schedule going into 2026.The Junk Hunt is the merged route of two smaller hunts, the former Historic Hwy. 35 Junk Hunt and the Hwy. 79-63 Junk Hunt Loop, both of which Cleveland County served as the epicenter. The merger created one large route of sales to be held twice a year, spread over four days.According to lead organizer Jennifer Via, despite the rain covering large chunks of the state on several days of the hunt, most considered the hunt to be a success."Minimalistic decor is out, everyone is maximalist. It's like the 80's and 90's all over again for yard sales and thrifters," she said. "Not only are a new generation of collectors out yard selling, thrifting, and collecting, a whole new tide has turned on 'junk' sales, antique/vintage shops opening, and booth rentals." Some sales in Cleveland County made over $1,000 in a single day of selling.Via noted that her team of volunteers that help run the Junk Hunt have also listened to the feedback and have adjusted the dates of the hunt for 2026."We're moving everything up a week or two," she said.The spring run will take place March 26-29, while the fall run will take place Sept. 24-27."We've actually gone ahead and set the dates through 2030," said Douglas Boultinghouse.The plan is to hold the Hunts beginning the fourth weekends in March and September.During the spring, the dates will shift back one week when overlapping with Easter weekend. For example, in 2027, the spring run will be held April 1-4."October is our challenging month," said Boultinghouse. "With so many festivals and other events happening across Southeast Arkansas, trying to accommodate the different towns was difficult in October." He said they all hope shifting to the end of September will make things easier for everyone.Via noted that they ar...
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