By IvyLee Rosario
With any new adventure or idea, there will always be excitement and nerves to go along with it. According to Jim Valekis, Owner of the Tipp City Flea Market, this is exactly how he feels with being the first winter market opened. “It feels exciting and scary at the same time,” said Valekis. “We have so much fun at the summer market so we decided to create a winter one. As with any new experience you wonder how it will take off.”
The idea came from wanting to give back to those less fortunate in the community. When visiting the flea market, there is a meal available for $6. If someone cannot pay for their own meal, tips are accepted on behalf of the customers to pay for the meal of the person in need. “The flea market part attracts folks to casually shop, enjoy a meal and leave tips for the people who need a meal for free,” said Valekis.
The flea market first opened on February 14, 2015 and is open on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month 10am to 2pm from February to May. The flea market has six confirmed vendors at the moment but has space for ten, covering a range of items being sold from handmade jewelry and furniture to crochet pieces. “This flea market stems from the idea of bringing together people in need with people who have,” said Robin Sholley, Vendor Coordinator. If interested in joining the Tipp City Flea call 937-474-9428 for more information.