The borough’s Independence Fire Co. No. 1 is an all-volunteer department that has provided service to the community for over 137 years.
The department’s 28th annual flea market will take place, rain or shine, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 8, at Charles Street School.
“In addition to providing fire service for the community, our membership still needs to run fundraisers to raise funds to run the organization and maintain the fire station,” said John Skowronski, a member of the department’s fundraising committee.
“One of our fundraisers is the fisherman’s flea market,” he added, “and it requires our entire membership to run the event. The fire company sells table space and charges admission to get in. The flea market is sold out with vendors every year and we have a waiting list for vendors to get in.
“At past events, we’ve brought over 1,000 shoppers through the door.”
The event started out in the firehouse but quickly outgrew that space.
“We then moved the event to Charles Street School and utilized the gymnasium and the main hallway for the vendors to display their goods,” Skowronski recalled. “There aren’t too many fishermen flea markets in this area, and we seem to have a very loyal following.
“At this time of year, many fishermen have cabin fever, and this is an event that they look forward to every winter.”
Early admission to the flea market is 8 a.m. The event will feature new and used equipment and fresh and saltwater gear.
