Line up to get into expanded version of Chatham’s Punk Rock Flea Market

It didn’t take long for the organizers of an expanded version of Chatham’s Punk Rock Flea Market to realize it was going to be a success.

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“We had a line up when we opened (Saturday),” said market co-founder Adam Kearney, who gives some credit to the fact early customers received a gift bag.

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“It was a very happy, exciting surprise for sure,” he added.

More than 30 vendors set up in Skinny’s Bar in on King Street West. in downtown Chatham for the event.

When asked taking the market even bigger, Kearney said organizers are looking at the possibility of moving outdoors, maybe on a section of the street in downtown Chatham.

“We’ve got a tent, we’re ready,” said D’Arcy Sloan, who operates Crow City Soap Co. with Evelyn Bryant.

Noting they have been to all the local punk rock markets in Chatham, Bryant said, “I have not seen a line up yet, so it’s really starting to catch on, which is awesome.”

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She added the market draws an alternative crowd with a wide variety of unique items.

“People of a similar gender can get together,” she said. “You wouldn’t know these vendors if you weren’t coming to (punk rock flea) markets.”

Bryant said it’s not just about doing well with sales, it also about the connections you make.

Sloan was enjoying making reconnections at the market on Saturday.

“This is my hometown so I’m running into a lot of people I haven’t seen in a long time,” he said.

Windsor resident Jesse Joseph, who owns and operates The Rustic Palace with Chanti Lane, said the initial rush of customers was a bit overwhelming.

“The doors opened and we’ve been flooded with people.”

Joseph said this is the first out-of-town market he’s attended, adding he was invited by Chatham friends, including Kearney.

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“We hand-pick which markets we choose to do,” he said. “We only do few and far between, so our markets are always pretty successful.”

Joseph said he hopes the Chatham market will be another one in the books.

“We just like being part of the punk rock community,” he said. “We like the diversity that this festival is offering.”

Saturday’s market was followed by an after-party at Skinny’s Bar with a number of bands taking the stage.

Organizers have also lined up some musical acts for a show on May 31 at Skinny’s Bar. The featured acts include the Vancouver band New Aged Doom with London-based female rockers Thunder Queens opening.

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