The monthly Summerland Farmer & The Flea takes place the last Sunday of every month from 10 am - 3 pm in the parking lot of the Summerland Post Office and Summerland Liquor
On the last Sunday of every month, the Summerland Post Office parking lot on Lillie Avenue fills up with a cornucopia of flea market and food vendors. Even volunteers from CALM (Child Abuse Listening and Mediation) are onsite to raise funds and awareness of the nonprofit.
Get your deals from Zelda Prune, of SPACE in Carpinteria, who is a regular dealer at “the flea” and sells with milliner Roe Warren
Michelle Lopez of Wild at Heart is the only licensed fermenter in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties and is considered an “essential worker” during the pandemic. She’s been selling at the Sunday market since its inception five years ago.
While parking may be a challenge – “It’s a mess,” grumbled Tinker of Tinker’s Burgers who, despite a line out the door of his popular burger joint, just returned in search of a parking spot – the festive atmosphere makes it a great and safe outdoor Sunday activity. One can find freshly baked breads, woodworkers, vintage clothing, antiques, collectibles, and more.
Farmer & The Flea founder Megan Husbands (a Summerland based masseuse and aesthetician) organizes sellers – from newbies to long timers. “The hardest part is keeping everyone happy while juggling the set up and the break out.”
The popular market may expand to more frequent Sundays now that spring is here, summer is on the way, and vaccinated people feel safer going out and about. Just the same, be sure to double mask until at least the Fourth of July, the target date President Biden has set for safer gatherings with friends and family.
Summerland’s The Farmer & The Flea merges 45 craftspeople, flea market vendors, food purveyors, and more on the last Sunday of every month from 10 am to 3 pm.
Carpinteria native James Kono, who sells under the name “Fernie,” started making furniture in September during the lockdown. As a flea “first timer,” Kono offered $5 raffle tickets for those hoping to win a handmade plant stand. This was his first time as a vendor at the market and he planned to return.No slouch! Longtime dealer Donna French travels from Palm Springs with her treasures.
Volunteers donning CALM masks (Child Abuse Listening and Mediation) at the flea manned by Christen Zampese, Summerlandian D’Arcy Cornwall, and Sharon Curry. The women are members of CALM’s Auxiliary fundraising arm who decided to “think outside the box” to bring their message and reach Sunday strollers and shoppers by hawking olive oil and balsamic vinegars from il Fustino along with CALM masks.
Jennifer Jaqua (right), the former manager of the Music Academy of the West’s shuttered Treasure House, has joined forces with Lois Pigg (who also worked at MAW’s former antique shop) under the banner “Circa.” The dynamic duo is working out of shipping containers in the Funk Zone, open by appointment.
There is no shortage of delicious foods to choose from at the market, such as six types of bread from Vanessa Bolden, Riviera Bread ($4-$11)
