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
I hope Ratner doesn’t graze your land.
I cannot wait for this Flea market to open up, I hope the cost to have a booth is low enough that everyone who is not fully established yet, gets a chance to sell their stuff. I love the green ideas, as I do a variety of different things like selling wreaths and making my own glass jewelry and beads. Will we need any speacial licenses to participate?
As one of the participants of Salvage Fest, I look forward to attending this flea market; however, it needs to be Vendor Friendly. That means drive in unloading and loading, reasonable fees and people willing to spend money. Making a trip from Albany is not cheap and many of the best dealers are 100 to 200 miles away. I agree with many of the people writing comments and hope it would be more like the old 6th ave and 26th street flea market in Manhattan. There are enough people selling tube socks, cheap pocket books, etc. at a thousand other places. Thanks. Fred from Silver Fox Architectural Salvage
Terrific! I’ve been researching and writing about fleas in Manhattan for my site Here Be Old Things and can’t wait to post both a news item about this, and a profile next spring. Good luck!
p.s. I just profiled the 7th Ave market here.
The 26th Street Flea Market was a desination. Those in search of excellent goods with a past were greeted every weekend, rain or shine with some of the most amazing items around and the prices were AFFORDABLE. If this attempt is half as successful, it would be worthwhile. Variety is the key. Worthless junk to one person is a tresure to another, so try not to edit vendors too harshly, only ensure variety. Good Luck. I’m a whore for Junk.
EVeryone please don’t worry Mr. Brownstoner said trust me there will be no tube sock vendors. Hey he is just incredible!
Good work Brownstoner. There with bells on.
Pratt students put on enough gallery shows. If you were paying attention you’d know this. No need to go out of your way to get a “Pratt Booth” at a flea market.
What about having a few booths for folks in the neighborhood to sell their own homemade food? Community potluck kind of vibe. Living on Clinton Ave, I can attest to the yummies that this ‘hood can put out when there’s a street stoop sale going on. Maybe a little Food Court with tables…