Flea Markets help chase away the winter blahs

What do you do for fun when it’s cold outside?

Those who love to treasure hunt and a good bargain, well, they head straight to the local flea market.

With approximately 65 vendors, the Montgomery Traders Market at 923 Camargo Road in Mt. Sterling, is filled to over-flowing with items just waiting to be discovered.

The market is open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and offers everything from antique and vintage collectibles, and primitive pieces, to locally hand-crafted items, movies, tools and jewelry.

New and gently used merchandise such as housewares, boots, shoes, handbags and clothing as well as linens, and furniture can also be found among the many booths.

In addition to providing rental spots for vendors, E & J Auctions also take place at 6 p.m. each Saturday night at the Montgomery Traders Market.

Manager Brenda Barns Ball said, “I really enjoy managing the market. I am proud of how well everyone works together to make their booths inviting places to shop. We have the best vendors and I am blessed to have each of them.”

Tim Petitt said selling antiques and re-purposed furniture is a hobby that he has always enjoyed and has been a flea market vendor for several years.

“I think it was about three and a half years ago when I started in the flea market business.

I started out selling a variety of stuff, then I started filling my booth with more antiques and primitive items. I go to a lot of auctions and pick up different things to fill my booth,” Petitt said. “Even though I don’t make a lot of money, I like dealing with others who love to treasure hunt. I have met a lot of people since I started and have made some good friends. I have always liked tinkering around with things and wood working. I have started to add a lot of shabby chic items, because that’s what the younger generation want,” he said.

Tim’s booth is filled with interesting items such as a marble topped antique dresser that was made in Paris, Ky., an old sled, a vintage red peddle car, as well as a shabby chic chest- of -drawers and a wash stand.

Galvanized cans, crocks, a cast iron press, old wooden boxes and ladders help round out all the unique merchandise in his booth.

For both shoppers and vendors, it’s the thrill of the hunt that makes flea markets so much fun.

You never know what you will discover tucked in a corner from old lanterns, vintage toys, books to quilts, kitchen tables, benches and love seats, there is something for everyone at the Montgomery Traders Market.