Parting with flea-ling: Final market celebrates bargains, bonds

After over 20 years, the Smith Neck Friends Meeting has determined 2024 is the last year it will hold the annual flea market, according to one of the Meeting’s clerks, Carol Cannan.

“This is our last hurrah,” Cannan said. “We are getting up there in our age.” She added how setting up the market has become increasingly difficult. 

The flea market started up over two decades ago as a way to raise money for the upkeep of the church, Cannan said. Little did the Meeting members know, it would quickly become a way to meet neighbors and establish relationships with community members.

The Smith Neck Friends Meeting held their market for a second day Saturday, July 20 to make up for its rainy day last week. Cannan said the market typically raises approximately $1,000 to $1,500 and this year, the Meeting has its eyes set on a new swing set and driveway.

Though sad to see it go, members, including Cannan, see the end as a “big relief” and look forward to donating the remaining goods to various local charities.

“There are other ways to raise money,” Cannan said, adding that the Meeting will continue to host dinners and do all the work they do around Christmas time.

Debra Reid, the other Meeting clerk, said she has been a part of the church since she began attending Sunday school at five years old. 

Seeing the flea market close after watching its growth through time, Reid said, “It’s sad because I like the camaraderie of it all.”

Though she agrees the flea market has become too difficult to operate as it has been, Reid said she hopes the Meeting can continue in a limited capacity like with the lobster rolls and bake sale.

“It’s not so much about the fleas — I do collect a few,” she said, laughing, “but I do like seeing the people. I’ll miss that.”

Reid mentioned how earlier that day she spoke with an art dealer who she knew she wouldn’t have the opportunity to see after the market was finished, so to stay connected they became Facebook friends.

“It’s fun,” she added. “I love doing it, but like I said, at the end of the day, it’s a lot to put away.”

The Smith Neck Friends Meeting will host its annual clambake on Saturday, Aug. 10, starting at 1:30 p.m. — though festivities typically begin before 12 p.m.

Tickets are $65 for adults, $32 for children 12 years and younger. For reservations, call Anne Lopoulos at 508-922-2758 or can be purchased on Eventbrite. 

Take out is available from 2:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.

The event is handicap accessible and located at 594 Smith Neck Road.