The weather couldn’t have been better – sunny skies, warm temperatures and a light autumn breeze – for the Saturday, Sept. 29 Funky Flea Market staged at Bloomingcamp Ranch east of Oakdale.
The event drew in dozens of vendors and countless shoppers from throughout the region, with market goers looking for that special item. There were plenty of items to peruse – from candles to woodwork, metal designs to Halloween décor. Whatever you were looking for on Saturday, chances are you found it – and more.
“I’ve already bought $600 worth of furniture,” admitted Nicole Scott of Oakdale, who was taking a break from shopping to enjoy lunch with friend Meredith Perkins, also of Oakdale.
“Just to shop around, see all the cool handmade stuff,” Perkins said of why she came to the event. She also had her pet French bulldog Kevin, with her, and he had fun greeting everyone that wandered into his path.
Perkins said she especially likes rustic items and several booths had those types of goods.
At one booth, several people were digging into a box of rustic metal numbers and letters.
“I’m trying to find the letters to spell out Poison Spring Ranch,” said Diana Sehmsdorf, who said the ranch is where she lives outside of Patterson.
The name came from a long ago cow, found deceased near a spring on the property, she added.
The market also featured some live music, with Neil Buettner offering up a variety of tunes for shoppers while they strolled and for those taking a break to eat and visit, with tables and hay bales both available for seating.
“It’s fun, there’s a lot going on,” noted Alexandra Barcelos of Modesto, who was taking photos of son Malachi on top of a hay bale, exploring a pumpkin.
“I’m just really impressed with the diversity of handmade items,” added her mom, Carol Negranza.
Vendor Alise Frosceno of Stuff & Things in Riverbank is gearing up for her grand opening there and was happy to take part in the Saturday market.
“This is my first event,” she said, noting that she had some craft projects for kids and ideas for the adults. “It has been wonderful.”
The one-day Funky Flea Market featured dozens of vendors, food, beverages, the chance to purchase pumpkins and specialty items from the Bloomingcamp Ranch Bake Shop, music and fun for all.
Coming up later this month at the ranch are the Harvest Festival, scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 13 and 14 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the Oktoberfest on Saturday, Oct. 20 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
