EDGERTON, Mo. - A weekend flea market helped a small northern Platte County community promote its major festival set for September.

The 2009 Edgerton Dealin' Days drew nearly 30 vendors to the city park, said Mike Snook, who assists the Edgerton Pioneer Days Association. At least 15 residences chose to hold garage sales in conjunction with the flea market, said Jennifer Snook, the association's vice president.

Sunday's sales were a partial continuation of Saturday, when visitors came to dine on biscuits and gravy, select goodies at a bake sale and listen to country music.

The reason for holding the flea market was based on building momentum and raising funds for the city's Pioneer Days, which are set for Sept. 11 through 13. Pioneer Days began in 1971 and has always been successful - but has particularly experienced a revival over the past two years, Mr. Snook said.

"We're having to turn away people for the fall show," he said. "But several of the people here are coming back in the fall. "We'll sell out ..."

The flea market featured farm toys, rustic furniture, hand-carved walking sticks and candles. A children's booth, vintage clothing, antiques, and woodworking also were offered.

Pioneer Days typically attracts more than 100 arts and crafts booths in more of a competition-style show. The program will feature nonstop entertainment, such as performances by the Krazy Kats, the Marching Cobras and presentations by the Wings of Love bird show. Patriot Day observances also will be held Sept. 11 to honor veterans and those who work for public safety agencies. A Friday night fish fry and community-wide church service also will be held.

Pioneer Days gives back to Edgerton, Mr. Snook said.

"Each year, the funds that we raise from this goes back to the community," he said.

The festival has helped the city buy more property for the park. A grant also was received for the construction of a shelter house that can stage programs such as the Little Mr. and Miss Edgerton contests.

Bud and Gloria Senter drove all the way from Garden City in west-central Missouri to showcase their woodworking and scroll saw crafting skills. The Senters plan to return to Edgerton for Pioneer Days.

"We had a nice time, and the weather was good," Mrs. Senter said.

For more information, call (816) 992-3368 or visit the Internet at www.edgertonpioneerdays.org.

Ray Scherer can be reached

at rscherer@npgco.com.