INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — They began lining up outside the Humane Society building before 6 a.m. to be sure they’d be among the first to peruse the thousands of items inside during the 9th annual No Flea Market. At 11 a.m., a line was still forming as volunteers tried to manage the crowd inside.
“It’s like a party,” said Janet Winikoff, of the Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County. The first people in line received Hawaiian leis and stickers that announced they were among the first inside and at what time they arrived.
For those stuck waiting outside, volunteers handed out sweet treats and played mini trivia games to help pass the time.
Wendy Millette has attended the annual market six or seven times, she said.
“It’s good stuff at great prices,” she said, nodding to a purse she picked up five years ago at the market.
“I’m still loving it!” Millette said of the purse.
She attended with a friend, Suzanne Miller, who found a Dooney & Bourke purse for $30 – a steal considering the handbags can retail for well over $100, depending on the store and design.
Annette Barcus, the Humane Society Thrift Shop manager, said she was happy with the crowds and the sales being rung up.
For nine months out of the year, the volunteers at the thrift shops located in Vero Beach and Sebastian scour donations for prime items that are then reserved for the No Flea Market.
“We save the choice items,” Barcus said, adding that the items that don’t sell during the market are sent to the Vero Beach thrift store location for sale there.
Benjamin Holly was one of several hundred shoppers who attended market. He wasn’t looking for anything in particular, and yet items kept finding their way into his shopping basket.
“We really support the Humane Society in what they do,” Holly said of his family, with whom he was shopping. “It’s a good organization” – and a good cause, he added.
Lourdes Innerst found a few vintage Bobbsey Twins books, among other items, while browsing the shelves of items.
The books, she said, would be “I love you” presents for her 7-year-old granddaughter, Isabella.
Innerst admitted that Saturday was only the second time she had been to the No Flea Market.
“I always miss it,” she said, quickly adding that when she heard it was happening on Saturday, she made sure she didn’t miss out.
