Hi Puzzlers,
Have you ever been to a Flea Market? I have a few that I go to whenever I get the chance because they are just so much fun. I go to look at all the interesting and crazy items people are selling. I always seem to find something cool and unusual at a great price. Flea Markets are also a good way to start a business-just go to one and see all the entrepreneurs.
No one really knows when the first flea market began. Some say that flea markets began in the Middle East as outdoor markets. The first stories found on this topic came out of Paris in 1860. The market was called “marche auz puces” and it was open Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays.
The flea in the flea market name is in reference, as you may have guessed, to the insect. Old upholstered furniture that was sold in these markets was generally infested with fleas. Mainly poor people and slum dwellers visited these markets, which at the time was most of Europe. And yes, there were a lot of fleas and not just on the dogs and furniture! I am glad times have changed!!!
What hasn’t changed is the entrepreneurial spirit of all the vendors. People of all ages rent space and set up tables selling products to the general public. Do you want to have a multi-family yard sale that will guarantee a steady flow of customers? Looking for antiques and unusual novelty items? How about Girl Scout cookies? Do you have a new product you want to test market? Are you looking for a part for that old nostalgic refrigerator you just have to get running? Try a flea market! Are you worried about packing a lunch? Don’t be. Most markets have vendors selling yummy fried dough, sandwiches, sodas and much, much, more.
Today the United States has more that 5000 flea markets nationwide and countless numbers worldwide. Flea markets are as popular today as they were 150 years ago. Just check out our very own Cronan on our Flea Market puzzle-he is the one holding the portrait of the Sacred Heart.
Happy Puzzling!
Have you ever been to a Flea Market? I have a few that I go to whenever I get the chance because they are just so much fun. I go to look at all the interesting and crazy items people are selling. I always seem to find something cool and unusual at a great price. Flea Markets are also a good way to start a business-just go to one and see all the entrepreneurs.
No one really knows when the first flea market began. Some say that flea markets began in the Middle East as outdoor markets. The first stories found on this topic came out of Paris in 1860. The market was called “marche auz puces” and it was open Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays.
The flea in the flea market name is in reference, as you may have guessed, to the insect. Old upholstered furniture that was sold in these markets was generally infested with fleas. Mainly poor people and slum dwellers visited these markets, which at the time was most of Europe. And yes, there were a lot of fleas and not just on the dogs and furniture! I am glad times have changed!!!
What hasn’t changed is the entrepreneurial spirit of all the vendors. People of all ages rent space and set up tables selling products to the general public. Do you want to have a multi-family yard sale that will guarantee a steady flow of customers? Looking for antiques and unusual novelty items? How about Girl Scout cookies? Do you have a new product you want to test market? Are you looking for a part for that old nostalgic refrigerator you just have to get running? Try a flea market! Are you worried about packing a lunch? Don’t be. Most markets have vendors selling yummy fried dough, sandwiches, sodas and much, much, more.
Today the United States has more that 5000 flea markets nationwide and countless numbers worldwide. Flea markets are as popular today as they were 150 years ago. Just check out our very own Cronan on our Flea Market puzzle-he is the one holding the portrait of the Sacred Heart.
Happy Puzzling!
No comments:
Post a Comment