If you have ever visited a large flea market, you know that you might run across anything for sale. Why, it might be an African water bottle like I found at the Rockingham market several weeks ago, or just a bag of fresh cooked pork skins. Seems if you go earlier or often enough, there is no limit to what you can find.
When walking up one row of vendors and down the other, you encounter all races and nationalities of people. Children of all ages are tagging along behind their parents or grandparents wanting this and that. Some folks walk fast while looking for a deal, but most just mosey around talking and looking. It’s just an outing and maybe an adventure for both young and old, all looking for a deal.
Some folks even bring their dogs to the flea leading them on a leash up and down the rows of vendors. Some dogs are very large, while some are so small they are totted in people’s arms. All seem to be enjoying the festive environment the flea market has to offer. Sometimes vendors have pups to sell or give away. They seem to wait for the children to gather ’round and place a pup in each child’s hands. Now folks, don’t you think this would be a good way to sell or give away a pup!!!
Along with the dogs for sale, folks bring in goats, chickens, ducks, and rabbits. Why, I once saw a pony for sale. These animal vendors are usually in the shade at one end of the market. I wonder if that’s not a two-fold reason, especially from the smell.
Talking about sights and sounds, it seems every few steps you take, a different aroma fills the air. Now, not all those smells are bad, no-sir-re. The smell of fresh roasted peanuts, perfume, scented candles, peppers, along with onions and hot dogs cooking on a grill are not soon forgotten. The sight and smell of fresh-cut watermelon, cantaloupes, apples, and oranges seem to linger around the produce tables. Vendors will politely tell you that the smells and samples are free.
As you walk through the market, people are talking in different languages and brogues. All the while, children are running around giggling and sometimes screaming. Now don’t forget the crows of the roosters, barking of dogs, and the bleating of goats. All go together to make up the carnival atmosphere of a flea market.
One of my favorite things to do while at the flea is to watch and listen as folks make their deals with the vendors. You see, as people walk through the rows of vendors, they might see something of interest and ask the price of the item. Well, it stands to reason that both the vendors and the buyers want the best deal to be had. A vendor that comes to the flea market ‘bout every week will most likely hold to their prices while vendors who just want to get rid of their stuff will usually give you the best deal. Also, as time comes for the market, to close a buyer is most likely to get a better deal.
If for some reason you have never attended a large flea market you need to take it upon yourself to enjoy the many sights, sounds, and smells that are found together at the flea.
