As the dawn broke one misty morning in August, diehard antique vendors were unloading their trucks, fluffing their merchandise and adding final touches to their spaces, with only the glare of light streaming from their miner’s lights perched upon their foreheads. It was “show” day, with only 3 hours to go before the gates opened.

In these final hours, this dynamic dozen, hand-selected for this, the first of many future flea markets to come, pulled out all the stops and created with great wizardry, their own magic. In the last 60 minutes before opening time, this three-part medley of antiques, sizzling Mexican food on the grill, and musicians tuning their instruments, only added to everyone’s anticipation.

As with every event that is newly created, the  fear is that no one will come. But, come they did, before our opening time, and every minute after, to enjoy this outdoor summer soiree. People with their dogs, their children, their friends and family. Enjoying the antiques, the food, the live music. And, the party continued, inside the Antique Mall, just steps away

Friendly greeters at the door served infused water of strawberries, watermelon and mint, while offering freshly baked macadamia nut chocolate shortbread cookies. Customers were then directed to 6 drawings for vintage prizes held throughout the mall. The shopping frenzy continued, which inspired cross-over traffic from mall to flea market outside, and back inside to the mall once again.

There is nothing more satisfying than watching people discovering something very special for the first time. An idea that started on the drawing board, evolved into a full-blown event, that was near perfect, creating memories of how a summer festival should feel, taste and sound.

This eclectic mix of a “French” theme, with Latin food, punctuated with jazzy bluegrass and bohemian gypsy music, totally worked, welcoming each guest to our world as they enjoyed the ride.