The 66th Street Flea Market in Pinellas Park, FL is preparing to host a Zumbathon on Saturday, October 27, and it’s far from the first to host such an event. The Zumba dance fitness craze started in the 1990s, when Zumba creator Beto Perez brought his system of hip-hop and Latin dance fusion to the United States at a time when dance movies were selling out at movie theaters nationwide. More recently, however, Zumba has been favored as a special event at flea markets nationwide. The Maxwell Street Flea Market in Chicago, IL, has been known to host Zumba events on a regular basis, and market manager Ndidika Vernon intends to continue offering these in the future. The Chiefland Farmers and Flea Market in Chiefland, FL and Wolff’s Flea Market are just a few of the numerous markets tapping this trend. Not only do Zumba classes diversify a flea market’s offerings, but they also drive traffic by attracting customers who might not otherwise make it a priority to attend.
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“I love flea markets, but I definitely make it a point to go when there’s a Zumba class going on,” says Anne Marquis, a Zumba enthusiast from Connecticut. “I’ve gone to classes at a few different fitness studios, but something about being able to take a class outdoors, then go treasure hunting at the booths afterwards, is quite enticing. It seems as though so many community organizations and non-fitness groups are using Zumba to draw traffic, and I can see why the same concept would work well at a flea market.”
For the upcoming Zumbathon at the 66th Street Flea Market, a suggested donation of $5 will be collected for donation to the American Cancer Society. The event begins at 2 p.m. and lasts until 3:30 p.m. at the corner of 66th Street North and 54th Avenue. More information about the event and booth rental information is available at www.66thstreetfleamarket.com or by calling 727-485-8252.