ROGERS, Ohio – Every Friday for the past 70 years, the Rogers Community Auction and Flea Market, located at the edge of this tiny village, has offered shoppers everything from produce and garden plants to livestock and farm machinery.
On its 70th anniversary, July 4, the iconic business will also launch something new: a family-friendly entertainment venue.
Opened July 4, 1955, by Emmett and Lucille Baer on about 12 acres in Elkrun Township, the auction began with a single building where eggs, produce and small animals were sold.
Over time, the Baers’ son, Jim, took over the business and expanded it into what is now known as the largest flea market in the tri-state area.
Today, still under the ownership and management of several Baer family members, the auction encompasses multiple buildings and 1,200 vendor spaces on 248 acres, including 70 acres of free parking.
Through the years, the family has adapted the business to better serve sellers and buyers, adding both live and online auctions. Each of Jim Baer’s sons is a licensed auctioneer, and his grandson is following in their footsteps.
One of those sons, Wade Baer, said the auction – commonly referred to as “the sale” – was founded by his grandfather as a place for local farmers not only to sell excess produce but to gather, talk and build community.
That sense of community continues today, he said, noting that just a few years ago, when the animal barn was still active, “Half the people weren’t there to buy anything. They were there to just hang out, talk and socialize.”
The auction has also supported local entrepreneurship, Baer said, with several people launching their own products and businesses on the grounds. It has traditionally been a source of summer jobs for local youth.
In the early years, the auction didn’t open until the afternoon, according to co-owner Connie Hughart, daughter of Jim Baer.
“Now, it’s more of a morning market,” she said. “It works for a certain part of the population but not another part of the population.”
Customer habits have also changed. In the 1950s through the 1970s, many did their entire weekly shopping at the sale, leaving with cases of produce. Today, shoppers are more likely to buy a dozen eggs or five pounds of potatoes, although the meat and cheese vendor remains “very much an essential” for many, especially retired customers, Baer said.
The flea market itself has become more of a “novelty draw” for younger generations, he added.
To meet evolving interests and further the community spirit on which the business was founded, the family decided to launch the new entertainment venue, BackyardLIVE!
The name reflects the family’s deep connection to the grounds. “It’s been our backyard” their whole lives, Hughart said. The venue was envisioned by her son, Colton Hall, the fourth generation of the family and marketing manager of Rogers Community Auction.
Hall believes the addition of evening events will complement the traditional Friday auction.
“The flea market draws them out, and this gives them something to do in the evening,” he said.
Events will take place in a large, fenced-in grass field with picnic tables and space for guests to bring their own chairs and blankets.
BackyardLIVE! will debut this Friday with a performance by CJ Solar, a songwriter for Jason Aldean, Morgan Wallen and others. Opening acts include Billy Likes Soda and Wrangler Band.
Gates open at noon. Tickets are $6 at the gate and $4 online at Eventbrite.com. Children under 6 are admitted free.
Music begins around 1 p.m. From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., guests can meet Julie McCullough, formerly of Growing Pains, and Scotty Schwartz, known for A Christmas Story, who will sign autographs.
Kids’ games and bounce houses, provided by Game Craze, will be available from noon to 9 p.m.
While outside alcohol is not permitted on flea market grounds, alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase within the fenced-in concert area. Bar professionals will serve drinks, and professional security will be present.
A fireworks display at 10 p.m. will conclude the inaugural BackyardLIVE! event.
Food vendors will be on site, and the flea market will be open, though there will be no animal auction that day.
Scooters are available for rent at the auction barn for guests needing assistance navigating the grounds.
Future concerts are planned for Aug. 22 and Sept. 19.
More information is available at RogersOhio.com.
Pictured at top: Standing outside the gate at the new entertainment venue BackyardLIVE! At Rogers Community Auction and Flea Market are (from left) Connie Hughart, Wade Baer and Colton Hall.