Union City Flea Market opened April 29 in the James Logan High School parking lot in Union City, CA. This flea market, however, is not your typical flea market. Union City Flea Market is the setting for a new reality television show entitled, “Flea Market Wars,” created by veteran reality TV show producer Mike Gouveia.
Gouveia, who lives in the Union City area, says he developed the concept for this particular show for two reasons. First, Gouveia wants to raise money to help the local school system as it faces a huge budget deficit. Three networks are “fighting for the show,” Gouveia points out. His choice will be based, he says, on which offer best serves the school district. “I want to make sure the network takes care of the school.”
While Gouveia evaluates his network options, both flea market and filming are in full swing. Every Sunday from now until the end of the year, a celebrity guest will attend the flea market. Recognizable athletes, singers, actors and even reality TV stars will purchase items from five different vendors, spending no more than $20 per item. The items purchased will be appraised by an expert at the end of each episode. At the conclusion of 10 episodes, the celebrity guest who made the most profit from his or her purchases will receive $50,000 for charity.
In addition to benefiting local schools, Gouveia says his goal is to bring the community together. “These are hard times,” Gouveia notes. “Setting up a storefront business is expensive. Rent can be as much as $2,000 or $3,000 a month. But, for $30 a week, you can come here and sell your items.” While many spaces are being rented by those selling garage items, local independent stores such as Comic and Figure Addicts are expected to participate as well.
Union City Flea Market will be open Sundays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. A vendor space is approximately 33′ by 22′ and cost $30 to rent. More than 50 vendors were on hand opening day and there is room for 150.
For more information:
Email: fleamarketwars@gmail.com
Tel.: 310-980-0774