The Belle-Clair Fairgrounds Flea Market where it is expected that the hum of conversation between patrons and vendors and the crinkle of bags as people walk around to browse at, on the third full weekend of every month where treasures of all varieties await.
with times of 9 a. m. to 4 p. m. on Saturdays and 9 a. m. to 3 p. m on Sundays, the Flea market vendors offer multiple trinkets that they made or owned at the Belle-Clair Fairgrounds. You can expect to hear conversations about price between buyers and sellers, or smell the food being cooked at the cafe in the fairgrounds building or of the vendor’s lunch while they are on break. With the Fairgrounds itself being originally privately owned before being sold to the county in 2022.
“I’ve met them a few times,” Madison Wachtel flea market organizer said regarding the original owners of the Fairgrounds.
The Belle-Clair Fairgrounds Flea market is rich with history. From the County Fair and dogs shows in 1970 it has been a staple in our community. While the county now owns it and not private owners, they still keep up traditions like the flea market and having to coordinate with vendors.
“It’s a lot of working with vendors,”said Wachtel. “Making sure they get what they want and the spots they want.” “Making sure they have everything that they need, so it takes a lot,”.
While Wachtel and the rest of the county employees would coordinate with the vendors to have it all organized whether that be location or making sure it’s all brought in, it wouldn’t be possible if it wasn’t for vendors who are excellent in their craft.
“A typical dragon could take up to 24 hours,” said John, a 3-D printing vendor at the flea market. “If I’m doing smaller things that are a single color it can take a couple hours.”. “I also do real-life critters, they’re busts like dogs, cats, and skeletons for all seasons.”.
While vendors like John show exactly why the flea market is a success due to their expert craftsmanship and enticing products, that couldn’t be possible without buyers for their work. This benefits the customers as they not only get to see amazing craftsmanship but they will also enjoy the low prices and it’s always a delight for people who are regulars to the flea market.
“I come here most months,” said Madison, a flea market patron. “Like, I got these three gold watches for $15.” “He had got a racing wheel that was PC compatible for $60 but they go for like $350-$400 on places like E-bay and Marketplace.”
For patrons like Madison, who go to these events most if not all months of the year looking for great things at low price points that other places might sell for a higher price points, as she had mentioned about what her boyfriend Dylan had gotten from there. The appeal of the Belle-Clair Fairgrounds Flea Market is two-fold as it can also strengthen local bonds,“ It’s a nice crowd, and it’s nice too to support people who are local,” Madison, flea market patron, said..
