"A new twist to the regular flea market" is how organizer Erin Jeffery describes this weekend's Curious Flea at the River Market.
Not simply a craft fair, the modern flea will showcase rare antiques, collectibles and upcycled items. The event will be as much a social gathering as a shopping trip.
"New Westminster is a city steeped in history," says Jeffery. "It has such great vintage stores and antique stores, and it needs a really great flea market, and the wonderful thing about the River Market is it's a wonderful place to meet. People come, they eat, they chat, they meet with their friends, they have walking groups, and we wanted to take advantage of that and have a great market at the market."
The event will be similar to popular Vancouver Flea Markets like the Eastside Flea and the Beggars' Banquet, explains Jeffery, a New Westminster resident.
"They really are event-based. They are a little more of everything, and that's what we are trying to do here," she says. "We invited as many New Westminster vendors as possible. People seem really excited about it because there's not really anything like this in New Westminster."
The event will be held over the two levels at the market - in the food hall downstairs and upstairs in what's known at the curious hall - and will feature more than 20 vendors, including Brick & Mortar Living, Vintage Pop, Robyn's Vintage Nest, My English Country Garden, Your Ottoman Empire and PAVA Creations.
Mid Century Modern Home owner Jenny Cashin is helping curate the finds at the flea. Cashin's store, located by the market's west side entrance, is a mecca for mid-century modern lovers.
Highlights of Curious Flea include live music, a Vancouver Circus School performance, and the Battle of the Curious: a match-up of unusual items that everyone is invited to take part in. Have something jaw-droppingly weird tucked away in the back of a closet? Bring it to the flea on Saturday, June 1. The most curious object will be immortalized forever in the Curious Hall of Fame, and the winner will receive $100 to spend at the flea market. Finally, of course, there's the food. At no other flea market can shoppers take a break from browsing to enjoy award-winning restaurants alongside a spectacular riverside view.
For more information about Curious Flea and River Market, visit rivermarket.ca.
