Brownstoner to Launch Weekly Flea Market Next Spring
Back in the mid-90s, we were completely addicted to the 26th Street flea markets in Manhattan. As they were gradually displaced, lot by lot, by the high-rises that now line Sixth Avenue in Chelsea, one of the most interesting slices of city life died. Now, Manhattan is too expensive and, frankly, soulless to recreate anything…
Back in the mid-90s, we were completely addicted to the 26th Street flea markets in Manhattan. As they were gradually displaced, lot by lot, by the high-rises that now line Sixth Avenue in Chelsea, one of the most interesting slices of city life died. Now, Manhattan is too expensive and, frankly, soulless to recreate anything like that. Brooklyn, in contrast, is the ideal place, in our opinion, to nurture such a scene. With no disrespect meant to the flea market on 7th Avenue in Park Slope, however, there’s certainly nothing currently in the borough that comes close to what 26th Street used to be in either scale or vibrancy. So we’re going to try to create it.
With the great help of Council Member Tish James, we’ve worked out an arrangement with the head of the Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School in Fort Greene to use its gigantic schoolyard on Sundays starting next spring to host a weekly flea market. (We’re talking about 40,000 square feet of space—check out the photo on the jump.) The lot itself is located on Lafayette Avenue between Clermont and Vanderbilt, walking distance from Boerum Hill, Clinton Hill, Prospect Heights and Bed Stuy and just a short bike ride away from Williamsburg, Park Slope and Brooklyn Heights. (Sorry if we left your ‘hood out, but you get the idea.) We also like the fact that it’s just a block up from the flourishing restaurant scene on Dekalb, making for a nice destination outing for folks from farther afield.
Although the flea market won’t open until early April, we’ve set up a web site at BrooklynFlea.com where vendors can indicate preliminary interest (update: the registration is working now) and anyone can send in questions and comments. We’ve got plenty of time to plan things, so we’re hoping for lots of reader input. One thing we’re considering, for example, is having some kind of local and organic food court in addition to the antiques, vintage watch and vinyl record dealers. So let us know what you’d like to see by emailing us at flea@brownstoner.com—and please pass this along to anyone you know who might be a potential vendor. We’ve got booths of all shapes and sizes to accommodate everything from the person who knits hats as a hobby to a large architectural salvage dealer.
Thanks and look forward to your input.
Mr. B
Great idea. In such a large space, the possiblilites are endless.
You might want to think about tenting the food court space, as well as offering tented vendor space for a more premium price, and/or getting a piece of tent rental to vendors. That way extreme sun or a spring shower won’t stop the show. As I recall from the Salvage Fest, it can get pretty broiling in an open blacktopped parking lot.
Looking forward to this!
The vendor registration on BrooklynFlea.com is now working.
Huzzah! Just the sort of vibe that all our nabes need, to keep making them better and better each year.
I concur with some of the earlier postings that the presence of farmers who deliver to our area would be wonderful, but definately NOT at the expense of foot traffic at the Farmer’s Market (where it is a joy to buy fresh produce every week). I would also welcome with open arms the presences of architectural salvage stores. Perhaps a few local funky furniture stores, too. . . for example, maybe local merchants like Little India would consider a flea market presence, and thereby attract more foot traffic to their stores?
I can’t wait!!!
This is a fantastic idea! I would especially like to see some sort of Farmers’ Market. This will be great for the neighborhood.
As far as selection goes, here’s a good rule of thumb: if you can buy it at Fulton Mall, then it probably has no place at your flea market.
Amy
Mr. B –
Just wanted to say that I appreciate and respect your game and hustle. Keep making it happen! It’s refreshing to see someone constantly bringing news ideas to the table and trying to get things done. Best of luck to you and much continued success.
JWhite125
This is brilliant…I’ve been working on some etchings which dipict Brooklyn especially DUMBO, and now I’ll have a weekly venue in which to sell them (hopefully). Great idea!
I think this would be really wonderful if the vendors were selected based on their selling items that are flea market appropriate (local designer wares, antiques, etc.) Designer imitated purses, tube socks and chinese men giving back rubs all have their place but not here.
How much would you charge for a booth?
Great news! This is funny because I was going to post a sort of petition thing on the forum requesting/forcing another Salvage Fest.
I was just checking into Green Flea to sell off some inventory for the holiday season. Any chance you’ll do another anything BEFORE April so I can avoid schlepping to 77th St? Because it’s all about me. 😉
Salvage Fest Holiday Show!
Mr. B!
Mr. B!
Mr. B!
working on it…should be fixed shortly. grrrr.