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Apr 29, 2023

‘A nice way to spend your Sunday’: Charlottetown Flea Market returns to Simmons Sports Centre

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THESE SALTWIRE VIDEOS CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — The Simmons

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THESE SALTWIRE VIDEOS

CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — The Simmons Sports Centre on North River Road is once again hosting the Charlottetown Flea Market.

Held on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., the market offers a platform for individuals and businesses to sell their diverse range of products. Admission is $2.

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Shari Martel, owner of Glorious Goodies Freeze Dried Treats, was one of the vendors on hand and was busy handing out samples of sweets.

"We’re selling freeze-dried candy, which is candy that comes off the shelf and put into a freeze dryer which sucks out all the moisture and puffs out the product, and the flavour is intensified," said Martel.

Some of her personal favourites include freeze-dried Jolly Ranchers, Mars bars, Charleston Chews and Nerds. Her family sells these treats out of their home in Harrington on Saturdays, they also do treat bags for birthday parties, and now they sell at the flea market on Sundays.

When Martel isn't around, her daughter, Mia, is more than able to run the stand on her own.

"We’re just a small family business … we like that kids are learning how to run a business too, so it's about the family," said Martel.

Noelle Green, a seasoned vendor with about 15 years of experience at flea markets, was also at Sunday's market. She had a large selection of products on display which she said took three days to set up.

"Knives, swords, throw knives, pocket knives, bow knives, machetes, marijuana hats, marijuana signs, marijuana socks. Sunglasses are a big seller, five dollars a pair. Fishing supplies, this would be our seasonal (items)," said Green. "It's just a part-time thing my husband and I do, he buys, and I sell. My sister helps me."

Green said she has known some of the other vendors since she started selling at flea markets and they have become close over the years.

"We care about each other, we’re like an extended family," she said.

Tracey Gaudet was also there, selling her homemade crafts which included custom mugs, jewelry, posters, keychains and art.

"I’ve always crafted my whole life, and as my kids got older and were less dependent on me it was a hobby to keep myself busy after work," she said.

The mugs are one of Gaudet's top sellers, ranging from humorous, to wholesome. One had a picture of a cat in sunglasses which read, "Fluff You," while another had a picture of a butterfly that read, "Anti-Social Butterfly."

For Gaudet, her favourite part about the flea market is the people.

"I would come back here every single week if I didn't sell a thing, just for the people. I love the interactions. I love the other vendors.

"It's a great spot to be. It's a nice way to spend your Sunday," she said. "It's a good venue for the community, just to come out and browse and bring people together."

George Melitides is a freelance reporter in Prince Edward Island.