Flea Market reopens with distancing at the Earl Warren Showgrounds
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - The Earl Warren Showgrounds Flea Market has reopened after being closed down in mid-March due to the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.
Organizers says they are adhearing to COVID-19 safety guidelines.
That includes requiring all vendors and customers to wear masks at all times.
Social distancing will be encouraged where possible.
Many outside events have been cancelled but some Farmers' Market sites and the State Street Promenade Market, starting today, have designs that meet health department approvals.
Seller Nina Siewert said, "To be honest I felt like (I was) coming home. I missed it a lot. I used to come every week."
She has been picking up some vintage holiday items, ornaments and baskets from many locations.
"Oh I collect all year," said Siewert. "You don't always sell things so it adds up."
Valerie Rosas-Wells, the market manager, says, "You'll find vintage, collectable, antiques and you'll find the most obscure."
Seller Robert Sprout was showcasing, "Three dollar Disney cars, I got four dollars Ninja Turtles and three dollar Thomas the Train. I do four different shows a week and I found out about this show from word of mouth and I used to sell at the Ventura Swap meet but because that's closed here we are."
Organizers here also run the Ventura Swap meet and say, "We're working daily and our projection is that we will open before the end of the year."
This site also has a mini farmers market set up with a variety of produce and nuts from nearby growers.
Sellers covered many rows, but there's room for more in the sprawling showgrounds parking lot off Las Positas Road.
Walking through bargain buyers were picking up jewelry, tools, bikes, sports equipment, clothing, electronics and even potted plants.
Some of the vendors had brand new items in addition to the used selection.
The timing on the return of this market could not have been better.
"The best three months (are) right before Christmas," said Rosas-Wells.
