Senior Center Hosts Flea Market and Vendor Fair

The held its annual flea market and indoor vendor fair on Saturday, April 16. The event filled the building’s main auditorium as well as multiple other rooms with a variety of items for sale.

Vendors with products ranging from die-cast model cars to personalized purses and towels occupied the space alongside members of the senior center selling old possessions, with some profits going towards charity.

Visitors walking in to the Senior Center during the flea market were instantly greeted with the sight and smells of one vendor’s fresh “produce stand,” set up at the main desk.

Vendor Mary Brennan, owner of a small baking business called Valentine Road in Ivyland, was selling cookies and home baked treats.

“I love going to craft fairs and flea markets," Brennan said. "I was here last year and did well so I thought I should come back again and I’ve seen many returning customers.”

Another vendor, Rebecca Nixon, an independent consultant from Ivyland for the Ohio-based company Thirty One Gifts, was selling the brand’s personalized purses and towels.

“The crowd picked up around 10 a.m. and remained strong," Nixon said. "I go to vendor fairs, fundraisers and home parties so this is an environment I like.”

The program coordinator for the Senior Center, Kathy Gurevitch, explained that this year marked the flea market and vendor fair’s third year.

“We have been sold out of vendor positions for over a month," Gurevitch said. "We’ve also advertised on cable television, local newspaper ads, and radio leading up to the event.”

Gurevitch also discussed how the flea market has played an integral part in the Senior Citizen’s schedule of numerous events throughout the year.

“This is the second largest fundraiser we produce at the center and alongside the vendors who reserve tables are members of the senior center who are able to 'downsize' and sell any belongings they wish," she said.

The items left behind will be donated to the Purple Heart charity organization, she added.

While many vendors had positive things to say about the event, Burt Barsky was displeased with the turnout. Barksy, a retired man from Warrington, was selling miniature die-cast car models. 

“This is my first time here but I don’t think I’ll return next year," Barsky said. "I got here at 7 a.m. and there hasn’t been much interest in my stand.”

Amid the noise of a large crowd in the main auditorium Gurevitch said, “I think of the building as more of an activity center than senior center because we are always planning our next event.”