Yardley Friends Flea Market Once Again a Huge Success
The day dawned cool and sunny for Yardley Friends Meeting’s 66th Annual Flea Market, which was held on Saturday, September 10th on the meetinghouse grounds at 65 North Main Street in historic Yardley Borough. You couldn’t have asked for a better day – bright sun, low humidity and high puffy clouds floating in the sky.
After sixty-six years, Yardley Friends have the logistics down to a science, and the flea market runs like a well-oiled machine. Starting before dawn, parking attendants are ready and available to guide vendors to their assigned spots. Young Friends circulate among the vendors with coffee and bagels for sale. Roaming Friends make sure that vendors have all that they need to have a successful day.
Marna Matthews, clerk of the meeting, estimated that there were about 100 vendors spread out around the meetinghouse grounds. Most of the vendors had wares to sell, from vintage glass to handmade jewelry, used clothing to baseball cards – just about anything you might be looking for. The meeting organizes a used book sale, and a “White Elephant,” composed of items donated by the Friends community. Local non-profit organizations, like The Peace Center, were also there to speak to people about the work they are doing.
Shoppers arrived right at 8 am and there was a steady stream of people throughout the day. A new attraction this year was the recently completed labyrinth and everyone was encouraged to try it out. It is now open and available to the community.
There was no shortage of food: sausage and peppers, hot dogs, hamburgers, and turkey wraps. There were muffins galore and slices of pie and cake for sale. Tables were set up under the trees where people could eat and enjoy the music of the band Fools and Prophets, who played throughout the day. It wasn’t unusual to see someone get up and start dancing!
Bucks Quarter Quakers had their usual tent set up with literature for the taking and a Friendly face to answer any questions seekers might have. There was tile painting for the kids and people could try their luck at our new “Pick Which One is the Quaker” challenge, where they were presented with two pictures and asked if they knew which one was the Quaker. Is it Daniel Boone or Davy Crockett? Maggie Smith or Judi Dench?
It was a perfect day to walk around in the sun, to search for and find new treasurers. By 2 pm buyers and sellers alike were ready to pack up and hit the road. After a few weeks of well-deserved rest, Yardley Friends will start thinking about their 67th Flea Market, already scheduled for September 9, 2023. Mark your calendars now!