07-06-2025
44th Annual Moss Avenue Sale finds a new home on Bradley's campus
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — A long-standing Peoria tradition took on a new look this year as the 44th Annual Moss Avenue Sale.
The event moved from its iconic tree-lined namesake street to the heart of the Bradley University campus. The relocation was necessary due to ongoing road reconstruction on Moss Avenue.
Held on Saturday, June 7, the outdoor event transformed Bradley's campus quad into a bustling market of antiques, collectibles, artisan goods, and street food. From 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., hundreds of visitors browsed vendor booths, enjoyed live music, and soaked in the festive atmosphere — all under the open sky and with free admission.
'This was a new venture for us, but it has all been smooth sailing,' said Jan Krouse, longtime organizer of the Moss Avenue Sale. 'It seems like the vendors like it, it seems like it's well-attended. It's got a whole different vibe — more festival or free market kind of a vibe to it. It's a little more chill on Moss Avenue, but I think it's a success.'
While the setting was different, the eclectic mix of items for sale remained a key draw.
'We've got antiques for the people that love antiques, but we also have jewelry and art and T-shirts and sunglasses — you know, any quirky kind of thing that you can think of, it's probably here,' Krouse added.
The sale area was closed to vehicle traffic for the day, with parking available on surrounding streets. The event remained a walkable, family-friendly outing, true to its roots.
While organizers are hopeful the sale will return to Moss Avenue next year, they're now confident in the flexibility of the tradition.
'Now that we've got this under our belt, we know what we're doing. That will be okay with us if we have to have it here another year,' said Krouse.
A portion of proceeds from the event supports the Moss-Bradley Residential Association, helping fund neighborhood improvement efforts and community projects.
Despite the change in scenery, the spirit of the Moss Avenue Sale lived on — offering a unique shopping experience and a vibrant way for the Peoria community to come together.
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