Meet me at the Market
By Tom Dresser
Published: September 4, 2008
It was Judy McConnell who first suggested the Flea Market in 2005, and nursed the idea to fruition. It started slowly but gradually built up a loyal and expanding following.
"I'm thrilled that we had such an enthusiastic group," says Ms. McConnell.
The third season for the Featherstone Flea and Fine Arts market has concluded after 10 weeks on the rolling grassy fields of the Featherstone campus on Barnes Road in Oak Bluffs.
"We had over 60 vendors," Ms. McConnell said. "More than twice what we had the first year. Everyone loves the venue."
Ocean Eversley, a regular vendor who has participated every year, shared her experience, saying, "I've done really well. Extremely." Her booth, the first on the figure-eight circuit, displayed a variety of jewelry, signs, and tee-shirts. "People who work at Featherstone sincerely want the vendors to be happy. They always have a smile on their faces. Everyone here is grateful. It's a good atmosphere."
In a single day during the height of the season over 100 cars could be found parked at Featherstone Center for the Arts, bearing license plates from states all along the eastern seaboard. The scene at the market included families, children, leashed pets, and a lively community atmosphere.
Photo courtesy of Featherstone Center for the Arts
The offerings ranged from fine art, created and marketed by the artists themselves, to antiques, fabrics, clothing, ceramics, photographs, jewelry and a myriad of unique items promoted by individual artistic endeavors.
Sasha Buhler, a first-time visitor to the Featherstone Flea, remarked on the "nice mix of vendors" and the beauty of the natural setting.
"It's awesome," Rosa Parker said from her post behind the Featherstone table, where she sold bottles of water and light snacks. "It's amazingly friendly and fun."
Tom Dresser is the office manager at Featherstone Center for the Arts and author of the recently published book, "Mystery on the Vineyard: Politics, Passion and Scandal on East Chop."
