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Get Ready for a New Weekend Activity

Oct 18, 2018 • by Madison Hengey, Alvernia 2021
Flea Market Finds

If you are anything like me, you hate sitting around on the weekend. You want to be out doing something — anything! If that is you, then I have a weekend activity for you! Flea marketing and antiquing, the greatest weekend activity to do alone, with some friends, or with your special someone.

Looking for something specific but cannot seem to find it anywhere? Try a flea market! Flea markets offer a variety of antiques and goods that others are done with. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure, right?! Flea markets are chock full of all kinds of items from furniture to household items to children’s toys and clothes. There is always something for everyone, and you do not have to worry about those expensive store prices. Just about every vendor is willing to negotiate with their prices; nothing is firm. Lucky for you, there are so many flea markets in your area, including Jake’s Flea Market, located in Barto, PA and online at jakesfleamarket.com; Willow Glenn Flea Market, located at 94 Park Ave. Sinking Spring, PA 19608 and online at willowglenfleamarket.com; and Fensty’s Indoor Flea Market, located at Bally, PA and online at fenstysfleamarket.com.

According to a few studies on shopping by researchers Maisel, Belk, and Sherman, “Research notes that the experience of buying at a flea market is also important, such as the excitement of looking for interesting objects, the ‘treasure hunt,’ search for bargains, the possibility of negotiating, and even the socializing, interaction, fun experience otherwise not offered in a regular mall.” Maria Petrescu and Dhruv Bhatli of ResearchGate.net note that this is the case for flea market customers. Flea markets offer a different experience of buying than going to your average mall and buying your average item. It gives the customer a rush, a confidence that they wouldn’t get at any old mall. They also say that, “People and cultural diversity represent a significant part of flea markets advantages, providing for the human need of social interaction and communication.” You can learn so much from a flea market and the people that attend. You experience something different every time you go.

Jake’s, Willow Glenn, and Fensty’s flea markets have their own days and times of operation, so you want to make sure to check their websites before taking a trip. Along with these open days, they also have special events, which you can check out online as well. All three of these flea markets have been named the best around on yelp.com, so why not take a ride and go shop at one of these flea markets? You won’t be disappointed.

Another great option to find older, used items in good shape is at your local antique store! Although they aren’t as big as flea markets, they still offer some great relics. Antique stores are usually set up according to the items that they buy or receive. There may be themes in different areas of the store, but they always have treasures! Just like flea markets they offer a wide variety of things for the shopper to call their own. A best named antique store near you is Zeke’s Antiques, located at 559 Salem Boulevard, Berwick, Pa. 18603 and online at zekesantiques.com.

One last tidbit before you head off to bargain shop — before all those great antiques and treasures reach flea markets and antique stores, they are most often appraised by an appraiser. Appraisers have the job of researching the history of items and reviewing the condition before setting the item’s worth if you were to sell it. So, let’s hear it for our appraisers!

Visiting flea markets and antique stores are great weekend activities! They offer unique experiences that everyone can enjoy. There is nothing better than finding that unique piece of furniture, household item, or clothing that you were looking for – or just caught your eye and you had to have – and couldn’t find in any store. Happy treasure shopping!

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