By Woodrow Polston
It was the second flea market event of the summer last weekend at the Vandalia Area Fairgrounds. Beginning on Friday morning, vendors were busy setting up their shops and preparing for a weekend of sales. After a successful event last month, numerous hopeful vendors returned to participate again. A good variety of products were made available for patrons to choose from. Everything from tools and household goods to original works of art and collectible action figures. Sarah Freie, who is owner of the “Kissing Cow,” said that she had a good start on Friday morning.
“I have had good sales already this morning,” said Freie. “I have already sold eight pork steaks, three packs of bacon, a pack of pork patties and a couple of barbecue specials, which is not bad at all for the opening morning of the weekend. It’s funny that our store name is Kissing Cow and we are selling pork products. We specialize in beef, but our beef is behind in the butcher shops right now. We are located in Middletown, and all of our products are raised and inspected in Missouri. We have been in business for a few months now and we are receiving a good response. We are looking forward to a good weekend here at the fairgrounds,” she added.
One of the most sought out type of vendors are those offering food items. While there were numerous food vendors present during the first flea market, the heat over the weekend seemed to deter those who would be cooking to order. Patricia Kraft, who organized the event, said that there are food vendors lined up for the next flea market.
“I have one food vendor for the next event and hope to find several more,” said Kraft. “We had around 12 vendors this time but what I was happiest about was the increased number of shoppers this time. I have had vendors that are wanting to pay for vendor spaces in advance through October. For the next two months, we will be offering a special for vendors who bring a new vendor with them. New vendors will pay regular price and the returning vendors will pay half price. Regular price will be $25 and half-price special will be $12.50,” she added.
The next Flea Market will be held on Friday, Aug. 19, and Saturday Aug. 20, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information or to reserve a vendor space, contact GPK8930@aol.com or call 573-721-7511.