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Flea showcases local artisans
By Bob Jackson
YOUNGSTOWN
It didn’t take Janice Atlee long to realize she wasn’t at a traditional trash-or-treasure flea market.
“This is fascinating,” the Poland woman said as she surveyed the first Youngstown Flea, which took place Saturday at Freeman Alley, next to the Covelli Centre. “It’s like Pinterest, but it’s right in front of your face.”
The “flea” is the brainchild of Derrick McDowell, who dreamed up the idea last year and set about making it happen. It had the open-air feel of a traditional flea market, but the offerings available leaned more toward artsy and somewhat bohemian styles. That’s what sets it apart in the eyes of Atlee and other visitors.
“I’m an avid flea marketer, so I’m used to seeing lots of antiques and, honestly, junky kind of things,” she said. “This seems completely different.”
McDowell said that’s what he was aiming for when he decided to become the founder of the flea. He wanted to create a showcase for local artisans who might not otherwise have an opportunity to publicly put their wares on display.
“It’s an amazing culmination of the amenities in this community,” he said. “I want to stress that this is an experience, not just an event.”
Visitors could browse and buy artwork, vintage clothing, handcrafted items and food products, all locally produced.
They could even take part in a yoga class, which was offered in a grassy area along Front Street.
“Who would ever have dreamed there would be an outdoor yoga class taking place on a Saturday morning in downtown Youngstown?” McDowell said. “It’s like we’re in New York City’s Central Park.”
Lynn Bilal of Youngstown was among the two dozen or so people who stretched in the grass during the yoga class, and said the experience was all she hoped it would be. She had planned to attend the flea anyway, but was especially excited when she heard about the yoga class.
“I didn’t care if it was raining or what the weather was like, I was coming down here for this,” she said, holding her folded yoga mat under her arm. “I loved it.”
Bilal said she will be among the yoga class in the grass when the next Youngstown Flea takes place May 21.
“I am excited,” she said. “This was just amazing.”
Stephen Chalmers, a photography professor at Youngstown State University, took in the flea while pushing his 16-month-old son, Elliot, in a stroller. A native of Louisville, Ky., Chalmers said events like the flea are common in larger, metropolitan cities, so he’s glad to see it happening in Youngstown.
“I want to support this kind of activity,” he said. “I think we need more of this.”
Likewise, Anita Stuard and Abe Mrofchak, both from Brookfield, said they saw similar open-air markets when they visited Europe two years ago. Having it in their own back yard was a welcome change.
“We’re always trying to look for trendy kinds of stuff to do,” Stuard said. “This is a great opportunity for local vendors.”
McDowell said the flea will take place monthly through October, and he’s hoping that each one will be larger than the next. He was thrilled with the turnout for Saturday’s inaugural flea.
“If this is our beginning, just imagine the possibilities in the future,” he said.