BARGAIN HUNTERS, OTHERS ENJOYED ALPINE FLEA MARKET

By Jo Moreland

June 28, 2017 (Alpine) -- Browsing and buying cheap goods, great services and delicious food made the Alpine Flea Market the spot to shop on June 24.

Shoppers and vendors at 45 booths ignored the warm weather in order to make hot sales.at the flea market, located in the parking lot at Joan MacQueen Middle School.

Vintage, used and new items, attractive clothing for all ages, furniture, imaginative art, creative jewelry, beautifully made craft items, survival equipment, tools, bird and bat houses, owl boxes, household goods, books, lovely dishes, boutique items, jewelry and more sold at very low prices.

 “It was great,” said Leigh Powell of the Alpine Union School District as she was leaving.  “I found a lot of stuff I can use for students!”

Other shoppers were buying perfect anniversary, birthday, thank you, even Christmas gifts that will be one-of-a-kind treasures.

“I think we should do this more often,” said customer Yvonne Jones of Alpine.

Vendors from around East San Diego County included nonprofit organizations. Representatives from various groups made new friends as well as possible members while earning money for their causes.

“Awesome,” said Sylvia Asaro, staffing the Alpine Church of Spiritual Living booth. “We’re having a good time.”

It was the first time in recent memory that the Alpine Mountain Empire Chamber of Commerce has held a community flea market. It turned out to be fun as well as easy on the budget.

Andree Adler, selling embroidered linens, tea towels, dolls and knick knacks at her Organic Tub Tea & Scrubs booth, appreciated the effort by Chamber members and staff.  

 “Thanks to you guys for doing this,” Adler said. “It’s kind of scary the first time you do something.  I’ve made a couple nice sales.”

At the Saior booth filled with skin care products, beard oil and face masks, vendor Tere Schaefer was delighted with a new opportunity offered to her at the flea market.

“I had a couple come by who are opening a store in Alpine,” Schaefer said. “They asked me to be in it!”

Thanks to donated items, about a dozen opportunity drawings for shoppers and vendors were held during the five-hour event.

“It looks like we’re going to have a little party,” said winner Mary Lou Frank of Lakeside, looking into the gift box of items she won.