Flea Market
Our flea market spawned from an idea from then President Jeff Stauffer and member Ed Schwartz, who felt there was a need and local support for an early season firematic flea market in the York area. It was felt that the proceeds raised from a flea market could be put towards our scholarship program.
Our first stand-alone indoor firematic flea market was held on February 21, 2016 at the Alert Fire Company's social hall in Emigsville, Manchester Township. Our first flea market had fifteen vendor spaces, and our association also ran the kitchen, serving breakfast and lunch. Although the event only lasted until 1:00 p.m., apparently due to opening day for NASCAR, the flea market was a success and raised over $200 for the scholarship program.
Our second flea market was held on March 25, 2017, and the floor plan was reorganized to add additional vendor spaces. Even with the additional spaces, we had to turn vendors away. The kitchen was operated by a food vendor, alleviating that task from our volunteers. The second flea market was an even greater success, earning $465 for the scholarship fund.
Our third flea market was a bit of a change. The Alert Fire Company's social hall was undergoing a major remodel, and was unavailable for our event. An arrangement was worked out with the staff of the York County History Center, who is one of our charitable causes as they operate the York County Fire Museum. They allowed us to use some open space at their Agricultural and Industrial Museum in the former Motter plant in downtown York. After fine-tuning the floor plan, we were again about to provide seventeen vendor spaces within the museum, against the backdrop of several antique motorized fire apparatus that reside in the museum, and several hand-drawn fire apparatus they relocated to the museum for the event. A food truck was stationed in their courtyard providing food and drink during the event. The History Center charged their normal admission to the museum, allowing visitors to not only shop the flea market but also to tour the museum and see the artifacts on display there. Even with the relocation, our flea market was a huge success.
Watch this page or our Facebook page for information and announcements about our annual firematic flea market.
