Junebugg’s Flea and Antique Mall will celebrate its 10^th Anniversary doing business in Selma this Friday with free food, drinks and the chance to win door prizes.

Junebugg’s opened its doors after husband and wife Tommy and June Carter both “retired” from their jobs as a truck driver and a restaurateur, respectively.

Though retired, both Tommy and June weren’t quite ready to quit working.

June, who ran booths at a flea market in Prattville, convinced Tommy to open up their own flea market and antique mall and the idea came to fruition in 2009.

The name of the store comes from June’s childhood nickname.

Tommy described the last 10 years of doing business as “a long ride but a lot of fun”.

According to Tommy, Junebugg’s has seen visitors from all over the world, but over the last couple of years’ visitors from neighboring counties aren’t visiting quite like they used to.

“Some people are afraid of Selma’s undeserved reputation,” said Tommy.

Getting visitors from out of town is Junebugg’s biggest challenge, but Tommy says that many locals love to pop into the store and browse the eclectic collection of treasures.

“We have something here for everyone,” he said. “We take pride in giving old items a new life. Some of the things we sell here were made to last 100 years, they don’t belong in a landfill.”

Through the vendors who rent booths, and the customers who browse them, Tommy and June have built many relationships with the community through their flea market and antique mall.

In throwing their anniversary celebration this Friday, Tommy and June seek to show their appreciation to their loyal customers as well as draw new customers into the space.

“People always come in and say, ‘I didn’t know this was here,’” said Tommy. “All it takes is one look for people to want to come back and see us.”

The celebration will take place from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. and will feature free hot dogs, Pepsi products and door prizes from both Junebugg’s and Dixie Country.