Countless flea markets on the East Coast dealt with aftermath that extended beyond physical damage in the wake of Hurricane Sandy, which moved ashore near Atlantic City, NJ, on October 29. Quakertown Farmers Market and Flea Market in Quakertown, PA, prepared for Sandy to hit, but was still forced to close when the storm knocked out power to the market and to 8,000 homes in the area for nearly a full week. “While we were able to open for the following Sunday, all of our food vendors lost thousands of dollars in product,” says John Chism, market manager. “We took steps to prevent flooding and water damage, which worked very well. These included having backup generators and pumps ready. We cleaned our storm drains thoroughly to help prevent water from getting into the building.”
Upcoming Events Brighten Holiday Season
Quakertown reopened with what resources it had on Sunday, November 4, and is looking to events scheduled for the coming weeks to restore the market to regular working order. “On the Saturday after Thanksgiving, Santa comes into town on a fire truck in a short parade, and we distribute candy canes and coupons for photos with Santa,” Chism mentions. “We also have Santa Paws Day on December 9. Shoppers can bring their pets to the market to have their photos taken with Santa.”
Vendors who wish to maintain a booth at the Quakertown Farmers Market and Flea Market have a variety of options available to them, depending on whether they prefer to be indoors, outdoors or maintain multiple spaces. Booths can be rented for $35 to $200 per week, and there are discounts available for those who rent extra spaces. More information is available on its website, www.quakertownfarmersmkt.com, or by contacting the market at 215-536-4115. The market is located at 201 Station Road, Quakertown, PA 18951.