The first CWE Flea, held last Saturday on the little parking lot at 449 N. Euclid, was a huge, huge success! My morning started with an early appearance on Fox 2 (link here). Thanks to the neighborhood's J'Little Communications for setting up this interview so I could promote the CWE Flea to the wider St. Louis area. I loved being able to talk about this new venture, especially on a weekend when we were competing for attention with so many big arts events around town.
While I was off gallivanting in Maryland Heights, my partner Amy Howell was at the site figuring out how to fit everyone on the lot. I had the better assignment. Despite the very hot day there was a steady stream of people from the neighborhood and beyond who stopped by to explore, shop, and visit. Kristen Kempton, a vendor who makes clothing under the label IHeartFink (Fashion + Ink), said she and her bf Peter had never seen so many families with children in strollers and dogs gathered in one place. It was rather amazing.
There was something for everyone. The photos below feature some of the vendors. Vendors not pictured include jewelers, Christiane, Jennifer Walker and Theresa Wangia, and Meredith Tabscott of Fiona's Heavensbee who makes children's clothing from upcycled fabrics. There were antiques and collectibles too. Native Pops whose handmade popsicles in unusual flavors were a most refreshing antidote to the heat, sold out by 12:30. They'll be back on the 21st with twice the supply.
Sharon Harter of Torta Bella brought beautifully-packaged thick chocolate chip cookies, blueberry muffins, gooey butter cakes and cake pops.
The photo above shows the proprietors of "Chateau sur Mer-Mer" which was full of unusual items from antiques to handmade clothing, homemade jams and many other surprises tucked here, there, and everywhere.
Kristen Southworth (not photographed) enlisted a neighbor to help with her Shiloh Hill Hens booth. Many of us in the neighborhood have been enjoying weekly home delivery of Kristen's farm-fresh produce from Campbell Hill, IL directly to our doors. It was the first time some of those customers had the occasion to finally meet the neighborhood's favorite farmer, and her infant daughter Harper who visited for a short while too.
Dawna Sturdivant brought a large collection of vintage clothing and accessories from her online store, Borough Vintage, above. She will be back at the CWE Flea on October 5.
Beth Styles pulled in with her trailer "Holly" stocked with vintage clothing and accessories (there were some darling baby clothes in the mix too), above and below. Meet Beth at the next CWE Flea.
One of the vendors sent the following note on Sunday:
"Thanks so much for organizing that whole affair. Yesterday was so much fun and so inspiring!
What
I liked about it -and I heard other people say this too- was that it
wasn't just a flea market , or just a farmers market, or just a craft
show.. that it was everything all together.
The variety makes shopping much more compelling.
Anyway, good job!"
A shopper emailed: "The CWE Flea was just "darling" and I can't wait to come back on the 21st."
Amy and I are extremely grateful to everyone who visited on Saturday, and to the vendors who took a leap of faith that they would do well in this new venture. They were all very pleased with the response and many will be back. There are also some new vendors set to join us next time. If the CWE Flea builds on its successful beginning we will seriously consider continuing next Spring.
CWE Flea, 449 N. Euclid, just south of Washington, on Saturday, September 21, October 5 & 19 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. For info: [email protected].
Find us on Facebook too at CWE Flea.