Young shoppers discover a find at last year’s flea market. (File photo)
Columbus Day weekend in Harvard has become synonymous with discovered treasures and apple pie, thanks to the Harvard Flea Market and the Harvard Apple Festival, both of which are planned for Saturday, Oct. 6.
“There is sure to be something for everyone,” promises Flea Market coordinator Chrissy Yoo.
Close to 170 vendors will set up in the early morning in the fields around the Harvard Public Library—from local residents who may have been cleaning house to professional antique dealers, with wares from Tupperware to exotic Tibetan jewelry. While kids rummage through used toys, parents may find “just what they were looking for,” or more likely, an unexpected “must-have.”
The festive atmosphere includes more items than one can imagine, reunions of acquaintances that seldom see each other, and tempting aromas wafting from food booths, not to mention dogs of every breed.
This year will be the Flea Market’s 41st year since the League of Women Voters started it in 1972. After going solo for many years, the League partnered with the Harvard Conservation Trust in the mid-1980s until 2009, when the Harvard Schools Trust joined the League to sponsor the fall event. The two groups share the proceeds to help fund their town missions.
“A few booths are still available,” said Barbara Kemp, who has been lining up vendors for many years. To reserve one, email info@harvardfleamarket.com.
Hungry flea marketers often make their way to the town common, where members of the Congregational Church of Harvard will be selling their home-baked apple pies from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The festival will offer slices of pie deliciously naked or with ice cream or cheddar cheese; whole pies, baked or frozen; and cider.
If heavy rain is predicted, the Flea Market will be postponed to avoid damage to the playing fields and a notice will be posted at harvardfleamarket.com.
The Flea Market is open to early birds at 8 a.m. and for general admission from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Admission fees are $3, $1 for seniors and children 6 to 12, and $5 for early birds.
