The Frankfort Board of Public Works and Safety approved the implementation of a Frankfort Flea Market for the community to enjoy during the summer months beginning this month.
The Frankfort Flea Market will be held on the fourth Thursday of each month through September on June 27, Aug. 22 and Sept. 26 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Veterans Park in Frankfort. Organizer MaryLynn Peter, who revitalized the Frankfort Farmers and Artisan Market, stated that depending on the success of the event, it may begin earlier in 2025 than June.
“I had so many people wanting to sell these things at the farmers market, which they don’t qualify for because they’re not handmade and everything,” Peter said. “I posted it on Facebook and got a huge response.”
Peter presented an outline for market, stating that the market will only accept vendors selling antiques, collectibles, pottery, baskets, handmade items and more that would not be available in typical stores. Peter stated that the main goal of the criteria is to avoid the flea market becoming an “open air garage sale,” which was echoed by board member Megan Sheets.
“This is not a garage sale thing,” Peter said. “These are collectibles.”
Peter stated that those who do not follow the criteria will be asked to disassemble their station or be barred from setting up at future flea markets. Disqualified items include secondhand wares that were purchased at a commercial store, such as couches, lamps, appliances and more that would typically be found during a garage sale.
“If I have someone who’s starting to set up different things that aren’t (qualified), I let them know,” Peter said. “If they’re already set up, I hate to tell them to take it down, but I say ‘no more. You can’t come back.'”
The Frankfort Flea Market will allow vendors to set up their booth for free, and those who may need further assistance determining whether their items qualify for the market are encouraged to message MaryLynn Peter on Facebook or visit the Frankfort, Indiana Farmers & Artisan Market Facebook page.
Peter stated that the Frankfort Farmers and Artisan Market will continue to operate as usual every Saturday of the week through October with no markets being held in July.
The Frankfort Flea Market was approved unanimously.
