After years of trying to start a 'flea market', it looks as if my patience has finally paid off. Starting Saturday, July 14 at the Parish Commons parking lot (southwest corner Elmwood and West Ferry), we will be launching a weekly retro, vintage and antique market called The Peddler. Already we have a good number of vendors ready to sell their wares during the hours of 10am to 4pm each and every Saturday. We'll be starting off with about twenty 'peddlers' who all have expertise in the realm of mid-century and antique goods - men's and women's clothing, jewelry, kitchen accessories, furniture, etc. So far the response has been incredible, and thankfully a zoning variance for the Parish Commons Parking lot was granted by The City. That means that the parking lot fronting the building will be dedicated to some amazing finds for those people who enjoy the thrill of the hunt.
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There will be no food or drinks served at The Peddler because we want visitors to explore the Elmwood Village. The hours of the market partially coincide with the Bidwell Farmers' Market - it is our hope that we can create some healthy foot traffic for the businesses in-between. If it were not for the cooperation of The Parish Commons, this weekly event would not be possible. Dr. Mike Calabrese told us that this was his way to give back to the community. We are also fortunate that we gained full support from the Elmwood Village Association. As the name implies, we are hoping that people walk and bike to the market. Rain days will be held on Sundays and we will NOT be hosting the market on the weekend of the Elmwood Avenue Festival of the Arts (due to the lot being used for alternative purposes).
I have started a Facebook page so that those interested can keep up with updates, vendor attendance, hour changes, etc. We will be running this market into the fall, and if all goes well we will be looking for an appropriate space to carry on throughout the winter. There will be no arts and crafts sold at this market. Or new retail merchandise. The quality of the goods will be constantly monitored and we will have an attendant on premise before, during and after the market to ensure that things run smoothly.
Anyone looking to show at The Peddler must submit a description of wares that they are interested in selling. At this point we have already accumulated an extensive roster comprised of some of the best and well-known retro and antique experts in the area, who are all onboard with market. If you would like to send me an email with questions regarding The Peddler, or if you have wares that you think might fit in with the concept, please feel free to drop me a note. If you are a fan of the idea, let us know by liking the event on Facebook. See you on the 14th!
I am so happy for you!!!! Good luck can't wait to go!