The Osceola Flea and Farmer’s Market proclaims itself a “real” flea market. To manager Monique Cupolo, this means that a visitor can spend several hours enjoying the market–shopping for new and used merchandise, searching through collectible items and antiques, buying fresh produce, getting something to eat and listening to live bands. There are an abundance of options for every visitor.
“Each weekend we have live karaoke, and on Sundays we have live bands that come and play for the afternoon,” Cupolo says. “People come and they buy some produce, they shop around for different items, go antiquing for the day, look for some estate sale items. Sometimes they’re just looking for dollar store items, or Florida souvenirs, and then they can go get some breakfast or lunch. Typically, it’s a good two or three hour visit. Visitors are pleased that there is such a good variety of merchandise.”
Admission, parking and the entertainment are all free. In addition, the market hosts free promotional events around the holidays. “For Halloween, we’re having trick or treating for kids, and people can bring their baked food items and we’re going to judge them, giving away little prizes such as gift cards,” Cupolo says. “We do that for every holiday, with different things we give away.”
Cupolo says they are proud that to continue to maintain the original flea market atmosphere that Osceola is known for. In the near future, they are looking to expand fresh produce and baked items, adding more organic foods and expanding the farmer’s market in general.
Three Days of Merchandise
Opened in 1986 and operated at the same location ever since, the Osceola Flea Market features 300 to 400 vendors each Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 8 am to 5 pm. Located at 2801 East Irlo-Bronson Highway in Kissimmee, the market charges $25 a day and $240 a month for vendors. For more information, call 407-846-2811 or visit www.osceolafleaandfarmersmarket.com.