Popular New Lenox festival seeking exhibitors

The United Methodist Church of New Lenox is currently seeking exhibitors for its longtime Old Campground Festival.

This 42nd annual Old Campground Antiques, Collectibles, Flea Market and Craft Show will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 18 on the wooded grounds of the United Methodist Church, located at 339 W. Haven Ave. in New Lenox.

The 15-foot-by-20-foot spaces are available for $35 each. This fundraiser helps support the church’s ministries. For application and information call 815-485-8271 ext. 53 or register at umcnl.com.

The term “old campground” refers to the property’s history. A 2017 Herald-News story said the “campground” was celebrating its 150th anniversary that year. The property was originally used as a Christian youth camp, which continued until the early 1960s.

In 1965, the New Lenox Methodist Church was authorized to purchase the estimated 21 acres of land from the Centenary Camp Meeting Association for $50,000.

In 1976, the church held groundbreaking services for a new church building on the old campground property, where the church still resides today.