In tough economic times, alpha consumers know it's never too soon to start shopping for deals, or find additional ways to earn a few extra dollars.
On Saturday morning about 75 vendors and others converged on the Montgomery County Agricultural Fairgrounds for the last of this year's five Flea Market and Baby Bazaars.
Starting at 6:30 the vendors—determined to make sales— began to pour into the fairgrounds with the hopes of unloading the remainder of their toddler's toys, clothes and games. These hand-me-downs, which are sold at bargain prices, draw crowds to this event several times a year.
Find out what's happening in Gaithersburgwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
By 8am the barns were filled with vendors and mothers whose children had outgrown their once-prized possessions. Expecting mothers and parents with younger children came to save money in an economy that has been anything but forgiving.
One vendor was telling patrons to grab a bag and fill it with any of her items for only five dollars. Childrens' clothes, toys, and games were some of the most prevalent items at the bazaar, but furniture, jewelry and even sound equipment were available.
Find out what's happening in Gaithersburgwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Tiandra, a Gaithersburg resident, has started her own company called Treasured Creations which specializes in creating diaper cakes, sorority and fraternity paraphernalia, as well as gift baskets. She says the bazaar is a great way to not only reuse children's items, but, for her, to make the public aware of her unique products and that there is always a market for young parents wanting to save money.
All of the vendors receive 100 percent of their profits and anything that they don't want to bring back home can be donated at the end of the bazaar. Donations benefitted the Paralyzed Veterans of America.
Sharon Devore, the Flea Market and Baby Bazaar organizer, which has been going on for decades in Gaithersburg, said that every year they hold seven bazaars between January and October. Anyone interested in participanting can fill out an application online or contact Devore for more information.
