Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/889494
22 | M A C O N M A G A Z I N E O C T O B E R / N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 7 Local buzz FANTASTIC FINDS AT HISTORIC MACON'S FLEA MARKET HISTORIC MACON FOUNDATION'S FLEA MARKET is renowned for offering a wide array of household items to Macon's residents during its annual fundraiser every fall. The longest-running tradition in the organization's history, for nearly 40 years Historic Macon volunteers have collected, sorted and priced thousands of donations of household items. "The Historic Macon Flea Market is a highlight of my year," said Michelle Garlington. "I don't know if people realize that there is a dedicated team of volunteers working year-round to pull this fundraising event together. They deserve all of the credit for this amazing event. For the better part of every year they accept, clean, sort, organize and artfully display a huge variety of donated goods. And then on one glorious weekend each fall, the community is able to hunt for new and unique treasures." This year's flea market, located at 357 Oglethorpe St., next to Macon Beer Company, will begin with a ticketed preview party 7-10 p.m. Nov. 3. The free public sale is open 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 4 and 1-5 p.m. Nov. 5. "My favorite moment occurs when the doors open for the first time each weekend," Garlington said. "I've seen some very distinguished Maconites break out into a full- throttled run in order to grab their favorite pieces." The flea market has an array of merchandise including antiques, collectibles, furniture, housewares, holiday decor, electronics, children's toys, gardening gadgets, linens, draperies, decorative furnishings, artwork, lamps and an entire section of fine silver and crystal pieces. "This year we are trying to get the word out that the flea market is not just about finding treasures but also about creating treasures," said Susan DiRenzo. "Anyone who is addicted to HGTV or Pinterest knows that there are limitless ways for 'flipping' and repurposing items that can be found while thrifting. We are sure there is something for everyone." An integral part of HMF's funding, in 2016, the Flea Market raised almost $40,000 for Historic Macon, and 93 cents of every dollar spent at the Flea Market went directly to HMF's coffers to fund rehabilitation projects. Donations are always welcome, and you never know just how much of an impact your discarded furniture can have. "We had an armoire donated that was very old and came to us in pieces," said Max Crook. "After putting it together, I saw that someone had priced it at $400. Knowing this beautiful, vintage piece of furniture was more valuable than that, I grabbed a pen and added a 1 to the front of that to make it $1,400. On the day of the market that year, it sold immediately!" Mark your calendar now for the annual Flea Market, and learn more about HMF at historicmacon.org. Flea Market finds help decorate: 1. Design House; 2. 1311 Jackson Street; 3. 932 Ash Street; 4. 948 Ash Street. 3 2 1 4