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Super Flea

“Flea Market”: a bazaar, usually outdoors, dealing mainly in discounted, secondhand or handcrafted goods. The definition really doesn’t begin to describe the actual experience. There really is no solid consensus on where the term comes from but some people say it was a turn of the century French market that sold furniture that was infested by the little bloodsuckers. Let me begin by saying that I mean no disrespect for the entrepreneurs that make such a surreal experience possible or the loyal members of our community who frequent this free market phenomenon.

I guess it had been at least 25 years since I had been to a flea market, my father and his wife used to take me on occasion when I spent the summers with them in rural central Florida. As a young boy I don’t think I ever really had an opinion either way as to whether I enjoyed the experience or not. The main memory that sticks out in my head all these years later is of the enormous selection of belt buckles, I was never a big fan of belts much less belt buckles, but vividly remember being amazed at the selection and size of buckles available. I suppose bling has always been appreciated and desired in all its forms. When you are that age you really don’t grasp the sheer variety of merchandise that is gathered in one convenient location. Another big thing you don’t realize at that age is how diverse the clientele is in this particular environment. There are only a few places in our society where you see such a wide array of socio-economic classes, cultural backgrounds and sub-cultures.

What makes this cultural crock-pot even more amazing is that at least 95% of the wares being offered are really things that people want more than they need. Does anyone really need deep fried Oreos, even if they are six for $3.50? Is that even a good deal? What about sculptures of two clown fish, one of them pouring beer into the other’s mouth, I think you have to provide your bottle of choice. Can you honestly think of another place where you can have your cards read, listen to a comedian/banjo player, eat a funnel cake, buy fresh produce, purchase deodorant and pet an iguana. So that leaves us with the other 5% of unique merchandise. I guess this is what brings everyone together, this search for some elusive item that you might not even know you need.

The purpose of our visit to the Super Flea and Produce Market that Sunday morning was based upon a recommendation from a co-worker, a suggestion meant to help in my day off goal of finding a good deal on a car charger and mount for my new phone. I really had no idea what was in store for us. I had been told that they had what I wanted on the end of one of the aisles. Sounds easy enough, however after stopping multiple times to check out the amazing selection of “As seen on TV” items, I lost focus on the reason for my visit all together. While I didn’t find what I came for I definitely left with something unexpected. I really had enjoyed the experience, although maybe not for the same reason that most would. At first I felt a tinge of guilt because it seemed like my enjoyment came solely from the voyeuristic overload at every turn. After further thought it became a little more clear, the jaded pessimist in me immediately tends to focus on the “what the hell is wrong with people” side of things. However that train of thought is usually fairly short lived and is replaced with some clarity. This clarity is what prompted the desire to put this story into words. So what have we learned from my complete over analysis of a simple flea market? First, that it is evident that everyone’s 5% is different and just as elusive as it is relative to the individual who is searching. This difference is good because it keeps things interesting. Second, if I need to pick up a wall clock with a psychedelic rotating neon rainbow behind Jesus on the cross… well I know where to go.