Second annual flea market anticipated to be bigger than last

Homestead Café in Lakeside is hosting its second annual flea market on May 19, but this year is going to be bigger than before because it’s now open to the public for sales.

Last year’s flea market was done primarily by Homestead Café’s owner, Cindy Hendrick, who allowed for a few others to sell as well. However, Hendrick had so many requests from people wanting to sell items that she decided to open it up and make it a yearly event.

Homestead Café is well known for selling a wide range of unusual items, everything from local antiques such as signs and coolers to deer antlers and paintings. These are the types of items anticipated for this year’s flea market.

Last year’s flea market had over 1,000 attendees because it was held during Victoria Day weekend, a Canadian holiday in honor of Queen Victoria’s birthday. Hendrick anticipates an even larger crowd this year with a lot of Canadian customers due to the holiday.

“People are excited, mainly a lot of people on the lake and up on the mountain that can’t have a yard sale,” Hendrick said. “It’s a good community fun thing to do. People will come from all over because the more stuff there is to look at the more people will come, rather than just one yard sale in Lakeside.”

Certain restrictions apply for those interested in selling at the flea market, rummage clothes and food sales will not be permitted. However, Hendrick said vintage or tie-dye clothes made by the seller will be allowed.

“Myself, I have appliances, furniture, and antiques,” Hendrick said. “Everything under the sun they will find here except for rummage clothing.”

Hendrick is hoping to have another flea market in the fall, but hasn’t set a date for it yet.

For more information about the flea market or to get involved, go to Homestead Café in Lakeside and talk to Hendrick. Table space is on a first come, first serve basis and is free of charge. The café has a lot of room available outside, so Hendrick doesn’t foresee space being a problem.

Set up begins at 6:30 a.m. and the market will stay open through the evening.