INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — From a highly-polished 1946 Garwood boat to handmade lures, the 2nd Annual Treasure Coast Marine Flea Market & Seafood Festival being held at Indian River County fairgrounds this weekend can’t be missed.
With more than 100 nautical, fishing and boating vendors, along with scores of new and used boats for sale or on display, the event is a one-stop shop for all marine hobbies and accessories.
Promoter Larry Burdgick said the event draws in many people from all over the Treasure Coast and beyond.
“They’ve been very, very good attendance wise,” Burdgick said. “I do two (festivals) a year — one in January and one in July.”
The size of the event has grown roughly 20 percent each year, he said. Factors like sunshine and dry weather play a key role for attendance figures.
Though held partially under a covered pavilion, Burdgick remains optimistic that Mother Nature will do her part.
“Knock on wood, I’ve never had a rainout,” Burdgick said. “This year looks to be a great one, too.”
Vendor and J Camm Fishing Lures owner Peter J. Cammarano said the success of the event hinges on the people who organize and promote the festival.
“I do not miss one of Larry’s shows,” Cammarano said. “It all comes down to a solid promoter and great venue like this.”
Cammarano, whose handmade lures are fabricated exclusively in the U.S., said the festival has a strong following and many repeat visitors.
“Folks come back on a continuing basis,” he said. “Show vendors offer more advantages in prices than retail stores.”
It’s not only visitors who make a special trip to the event from all over the region.
South Eastern Fishing Tackle Liquidators owner Mike Scanio made the trip over from Tampa in order to participate in the event.
“We’re not even technically ‘open’ yet, but we’re already selling,” Scanio said. “Repeat customers follow you to shows and, if they know you’re going to be there, they come early.”
The savings on fishing gear is more than enough incentive to bring out a good crowd, he said.
“Typically, our stock is about 40-percent less expensive than retail,” Scanio said.
However, seeing new faces and meeting people who share a passion for fishing is equally as rewarding, he said.
If angling is not your thing, there are also informative booths for marine organizations, nautical-themed crafts and photography vendors.
Visitors can also find a hearty assortment of seafood, desserts and cool drinks at the event.
The festival continues Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and admission is $7 for adults. Children 12 and younger receive free admission.
For more information, visit www.flnauticalfleamarket.com