Well, not so fast. As evidenced by these photos, last Saturday's Little Flea not only (barely) made it through the torrential rains of the late morning - it claimed the unexpected sunny afternoon in typical Little Flea fashion!
Vendors, including newcomer Tina (above), quickly rolled up tarps and uncovered merchandise in time to welcome Lawrenceville shoppers eager to soak up the scene and sun. Music made its debut at Little Flea, courtesy of Stephanie and Bob Miller (below). The husband and wife duo performed an extended set, across a variety of genres and styles, playing a number of instruments, such as the harp, flute, guitar and hand drums. Look for Stephanie and Bob on your next visit to Little Flea. We'd like music to become a fixture at Little Flea, so we are actively seeking musicians/buskers who are interested in performing on a casual basis. Guitar, violin, accordion and/or anything else acoustic. The market takes place on Saturdays from 10am-5pm and we are looking for people who can play 1/2 hour or more. This gig is non-compensated but there is a steady crowd of people and great tip potential. Those interested should email us at lawrencevillelittleflea [at] gmail.com.
Here's a quick look back at the first Little Flea through the eyes of Pittsburgh filmmaker and Little Flea vendor, Carl Cimini. The video features happy shoppers, some kickass flea finds, and a few of the first crop of pioneer vendors who have now become familiar faces. Soundtrack "provided" by the inimitable Miriam Makeba, singing our adopted anthem - "The Naughty Little Flea". Carl captured what we all know the Little Flea to be: a little place to experience community - where you can chat at length, make new friends or meet old ones, trade or buy (un)wanted treasures - and it is also an invitation to (re)discover what the rest of our dear neighborhood has to offer - not only the shops but the residents who make Lawrenceville a great place to visit and live.
As for Carl's presence at Little Flea, a stop at his table is a must. One word: collectibles. Rare books, vintage cameras and equipment, folk art, mod decor items - and Cold War-era globes! (You wouldn't believe how popular those globes are.) More on Carl and our other amazing vendors at another time.
The weekend is almost here already, so it can only mean one thing - it's time once again for the Little Flea to do its thing at Goeller's parking lot. Only in its third edition, yet it's beginning to feel like Saturdays wouldn't be the same without the Little Flea in our dear neighborhood. Well, at least we'd like to think so.
Last week was a lot of fun, the scorching weather notwithstanding. Shoppers were milling about undeterred, while vendors, after a few hours under the sun, were figuring the best way to avoid getting baked by the scalding pavement. Lets just say that close friendships were made with those who came equipped with umbrellas and tents.
New vendors joined the gang, adding more color to the already eclectic-yet-carefully-curated mix of stuff that is the Little Flea. People like Lawrenceville resident and expert crafter Jessica Manack, from Miss Chief, who brought along her handmade collection of cards, journals, buttons, and magnets (see photo above).
With that being said, we'd like to extend an invitation to all our readers to come join the Little Flea -- as a shopper and, why not, as a vendor. In any case, remember to save your Saturdays for good old local shopping -- preferably in Lawrenceville. It's good for the community, the local economy, and, of course, it's good for you.
The first edition of the Little Flea achieved its main purpose - and then some. This past Saturday, a group of intrepid vendors - the pioneers - set out to spend the day in a sun-drenched parking lot at the corner of 36th and Butler determined to sell their individual collections of stuff (for a lack of a better word) and have a good time while at it. But it wasn't just stuff on hand and the vendors weren't the only ones having fun. Braddock artist Victoria Hruska brought a generous offering of her Victorian beadwork and recycled art, which caught the eye of just about everyone visiting the Little Flea or just walking by (see photo above). Ultimately, you can't call it a flea market if there's isn't random but useful stuff available. From vintage clothing to hard-to-come-by collectibles such as early Cold War-era globes, and camera equipment; from beautifully re-upholstered furniture to housewares straight from the attic. From handcrafted sugar scrubs to the scrumptious sugary treats of the Goodie Truck. The fledgling Little Flea had a little bit of everything you hope for in a flea market. There was also a warm sense of community to it all.
A poorly-conducted, totally unscientific survey revealed that those in attendance, Lawrencevillians and visitors alike, were pleasantly surprised by the "happening" and even more pleased once they learned that the Little Flea will be a regular feature. Satisfied customers and satisfied vendors agree: the Little Flea will live to see another day. And that day is this coming Saturday 15, so plan on making the Little Flea and Lawrenceville part of your Saturday shopping schedule. Hope to see you there!
The Little Flea is a neighborhood marketplace featuring a rotating variety of flea, thrift, craft, and food. Located in Pittsburgh's historic Lawrenceville neighborhood, the Little Flea hopes to contribute to the vibrancy of the community while providing a venue for local vendors. Come join us!
The Right Stuff Furnishings, craft/handmade, furniture, housewares, clothing, collectibles, books, jewelry and more!
Where
Corner of 36th + Butler St (Goeller's Parking Lot) in Lawrenceville (see map in sidebar)
When
Saturdays, 10am - 5pm
Want more info or wish to sell your stuff?
Send us an email to lawrencevillelittleflea [at] gmail.com
The Little Flea is part of Act Locally! a project of green and ethical retailer Equita.
Little Flea is a neighborhood marketplace featuring a rotating variety of flea, craft and food. Located in Lawrenceville, Little Flea aims to contribute to the sustainability of our community by providing a venue for local vendors and neighbors to gather and share.
Well, not so fast. As evidenced by these photos, last Saturday's Little Flea not only (barely) made it through the torrential rains of the late morning - it claimed the unexpected sunny afternoon in typical Little Flea fashion!
Vendors, including newcomer Tina (above), quickly rolled up tarps and uncovered merchandise in time to welcome Lawrenceville shoppers eager to soak up the scene and sun.
Music made its debut at Little Flea, courtesy of Stephanie and Bob Miller (below). The husband and wife duo performed an extended set, across a variety of genres and styles, playing a number of instruments, such as the harp, flute, guitar and hand drums. Look for Stephanie and Bob on your next visit to Little Flea.
We'd like music to become a fixture at Little Flea, so we are actively seeking musicians/buskers who are interested in performing on a casual basis. Guitar, violin, accordion and/or anything else acoustic. The market takes place on Saturdays from 10am-5pm and we are looking for people who can play 1/2 hour or more. This gig is non-compensated but there is a steady crowd of people and great tip potential. Those interested should email us at lawrencevillelittleflea [at] gmail.com.
