Flea market chance to hunt treasure

Published 3:40 pm Tuesday, May 14, 2013

If you’re like me, you have far too much stuff — I mean someone else’s treasure — in your house.

Have I got good news for you.

The Greenville Kiwanis Club is sponsoring a flea market the third Saturday of each month from May to August.

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The flea market, which will be open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., will be held at the Butler County Fairgrounds and booths will be available for rent for just $10.

I hear that booth space is going fast, so if you’re looking to unload some of the things you’ve collected over the years, you’ll want to go ahead and give Margaret Poole a call at (334) 303-7551 to reserve your spot.

Maybe you’re not a borderline hoarder like me. Maybe you just like to go bargain hunting.

For just $1 you can scope out the treasures at everyone else’s booth. Who knows what you might find.

All the money raised from the flea market will help support the many service activities the Greenville Kiwanis Club performs throughout the year, such as hosting the Butler County Fair or awarding deserving students Community Service Scholarship.

So with all that in mind, here are a few tips for would-be-bargain hunters.

  • Get there early. Everyone knows that the early bird gets the worm.
  • Search first, rescue later. Getting the best deal is really all about being patient. Sure, you may see an amazing lamp at the first booth you stop at. You dig deep into your pocket and shell out an Andrew Jackson for it. Five booths later you find an even better lamp for an Abe Lincoln. Remember, patience is a virtue.
  • Go green. Cash is king at the flea markets.  Leave your plastic at home. Before heading out the door make sure you have what you need in a variety of denominations.  Twenties, tens, fives, and ones are best.
  • Have a plan. Make sure one man’s merchandise is really your treasure and not just something you’ll be selling at your next garage sale. Prepare a list of things you need, things you want, and maybe a few things you’ve been dreaming of for quite some time. Then get to hunting.
  • Make friends with someone who drives a pickup truck. If you drive a Volkswagon Bug you’re going to have a hard time fitting that fantastic new dining room table in your car. You’ll need help getting it home.

I wish you all happy hunting.