TRURO - After 28 years, the Hubtown's oldest and largest flea market is expanding into a summertime affair.
It is also moving – at least for the summer – from it's traditional location in the Fundy Trail Mall to the former Kia dealership on Juniper Street.
"We wanted a place for the summer," said owner George Peters, "because people, in the summer, want to be outside ... so, we're indoors/outdoors now."
The market runs every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and in it's heyday has seen as many as 800 bargain-hungry shoppers pass by the varying number of booths and tables, said manager Debbie Brown.
"Since November of '09 we have a base of regulars of about 500 and we're just thrilled to have that base," she said.
"A flea market is the forerunner to recycling," she said of the numerous items for sale each week that run the gamut from antiques to collectibles, furniture, jewelery and knick knacks among others.
"The hard-to-find items," she chuckled, while looking around at some of the goods being readied for Sunday's market. "Someone's yesterday treasure may be your treasure today."
Those treasures may even include NHL sports cards for such former Truro Jr. A Bearcat players as Andrew MacDonald (New York Islanders) and Matt Climie (Phoenix Coyotes).
The introduction of the outdoor component to the market means that vendors will also be able to showcase plants, flowers and other such items right at roadside in the hopes of drawing in passing motorists.
And while some vendors may come and go from week to week, the market, officially known as the Bargain Hunters Flea Markets and Craft Shows, does have its long-time diehards, Brown said.
"We have a core of 50 vendors that have been with us at the Fundy Trail Mall," she said.
One of those is Stew MacKenzie, 65, of Truro who has been involved with the market since it's inception.
"I enjoy the people," he said, of one the main reasons he has been involved for so long. "It's something to do on a Sunday."
Another veteran flea marketer is Eugene Morrison, 69, of Brookside who has been setting up his tables for more than 20 years.
"I should know better but I'm still at it," he joked. Like, MacKenzie, Morrison said he continues with the market primarily for the social aspects it provides.
"Put it this way, it's not for the money," he chuckled. "More or less to meet people really."
Both vendors, however, believe that continuing with the market for the summer, especially with the added outdoor component, should bring in more customers.
"We sure hope so," MacKenzie said.
Brown agreed.
"The exciting part about this, if it becomes very dynamic in the marketplace and exciting for consumers, then it is really going to take off," she said.
