Summer is a magical time. Children are set free to roam and play without the burden of homework or strict bedtimes. Life moves a little bit slower as we have more sunlight to get things done. The pools are open and the living is easy, so they say. And, yard sale season opens!
Our shop has been called a treasure hunter’s dream come true, and if you like treasure hunting, you probably enjoy a good yard sale too! The thrill of finding a great treasure at a blow-out price is hard to beat. It’s an addictive hobby that has grown into a full-on American subculture. Each summer, we jump on this bandwagon ourselves with our organized outdoor Paris Flea Markets. These outdoor markets are not really a “yard sale”, but more of a nod to the original Flea Market originating in Paris in the 1880’s.
According to DiscoverFrance.net, the history of the Flea Market traces back several centuries to a group of travelers called rag-and-bone men who traveled the city by night searching for old objects that had been thrown out with the rubbish, which they would then resell at local markets. As the popularity of the style of shopping grew, by 1885 the city decided to clean up the areas in which the rag-and-bone men operated, making it safer and easier for patrons to shop. Work was carried out to facilitate the market’s existence: roads were paved and walkways created along the major streets to help the traders set up their stalls and organize themselves. This is when the traders began paying a fee to set up and sell.
The Paris Saint-Ouen Flea Market celebrated its centenary in 1985. Now hosting 2500 dealers and covering more than 17 acres, it is the world’s largest antiques market. Every weekend, between 120,000 and 150,000 visitors come from all over the world in the hopes of finding a rare and treasured object.
It is with the same spirit that we will be organizing ourselves in the parking lot of the Ashland Shopping Center on three Saturdays throughout the summer months. Come treasure hunting in the sunshine on Saturday, June 8th, July 6th and August 10th. We promise to have furniture, clothing, records, CD’s, antiques, collectibles, home decor and handmade items on hand. This year we will also be offering food and drinks for sale, along with face painting for the young and young-at-heart!
