Flea market is hopping
Russell Flea welcomed 44 vendors to its bi-weekly market at Russell High School on Sat., Feb. 10.     Vetter photo

Russell Flea Market co-owner Matt Heimstra stands among his booth of vintage video games, DVDs and small antiques at the flea market at Russell High School on Sat., Feb. 10. Vetter photo

Candice Vetter
Villager Staff
RUSSELL – After running for a year and a half, Matt Heimstra says the venture, Russell Flea, which was started by Heimstra, his three brothers Curtis, Justin and Alex, and his girlfriend Lianne Hebert, is going very well.

Every second Saturday a temporary flea market is set up in Russell High School’s hall and cafeteria, at 982 North Russell Rd.

On Sat., Feb. 10, Hiemstra spoke with The Villager about the business’s progression. Even on a date in the middle of February, which is not traditionally a great time of year for attracting shoppers, most vendors had customers at their booths, and the number of vendors that day was one of the highest Russell Flea had registered, with 44 tables taken. The maximum is 45.

Most vendors sold collectibles, but there were also baked goods and hand-crafted items ranging from wooden bowls to textiles to jewelry to natural cosmetics. Some of the typical flea market items included antiques, vintage décor, sports collectibles, vinyl records, toys, video games, bottles, coins, and more. Most of those vendors are also interested in purchasing items from the past, and visiting the market is a good way to browse through antiques and get an idea of some of the values assigned to certain pieces.

Heimstra says each market day offers favourite regular vendors and a fresh selection of occasional or one-tine vendors, so shoppers never know what kind of treasure they’ll find.

Russell Flea is a welcome addition to the local shopping scene. The other nearest flea markets are in Ottawa or Morrisburg, so are not very convenient for residents of this area. It is open every other Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with the next market on Sat., Feb. 24.

For more information see www.russellflea.ca.