Kathy Yoder, flea market manager and special events coordinator for Root's Country Market and Auction, 705 Graystone Road, Manheim, had hoped to open a Saturday flea market at the venue in April. COVID-19 restrictions delayed that opening, but now that the county is in the green phase, flea markets will be held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the first and third Saturdays of the month through November. Flea market vendors will be located in the field and outside the market grounds.
"A lot of vendors wanted a Saturday market," said Yoder of the addition. "It's kind of an eclectic flea market." Yoder noted that there will be produce, jewelry, and dog treats, as well as food vendors that marketgoers will recognize, including those selling soft pretzels and soft ice cream. But there will also be new vendors such as those offering milkshakes, cinnamon nuts, and wine tasting. "We will have a barbecue truck with lobster and crab french fries," shared Yoder, who added that stands selling pastries and those selling whoopie pies with a touch of alcohol added will be on-site, along with tacos. In the morning, stands selling breakfast sandwiches and coffee will be open. Yoder noted that some vendors have returned after many years away from the market. "We have a guy who sold lemonade and meadow tea as a child, and he has come back to sell that on Saturdays," she said.
In addition to outdoor flea markets on both sides of Graystone Road, Building 10, Building 9, Building 2, and the Old Mill will be open on Saturdays. "Building 9 has a meat and cheese stand, furniture, books, antiques, and flea market items," said Yoder, who noted that currently Building 10 and the Old Mill are antique shops. Building 2 features antiques, jewelry, and toys.
Yoder is looking forward to some advancements that will be happening at the market in the coming months. "We are changing," said Yoder. "Vendors in the Old Mill will move to Building 2, which will be rebuilt as a large antique emporium, and the Old Mill will be (designated) for artisans." Yoder said that the Old Mill will offer 14 artisan spaces for crafts, drawing, and painting. "(Artisans) will be able to do their craft in their (vendor) space," she noted, adding that an area to be used as a classroom has also been selected. "The classroom is something new," said Yoder, who said she plans to schedule paint nights in the classroom area twice a month. "The wine and cheese vendors here are interested in (being involved in) that," she said. Currently, the plan is to begin relocating vendors in August. "In September, we should be ready for artisans to move in," Yoder said.
In recognition of safety guidelines related to COVID-19, Root's requests that all people entering buildings wear masks. "I tell people if they are able to wear a mask, they should," Yoder said. Dots have been added to the floors inside the market to encourage social distancing. "Most people have been very kind (with regard to following the requests)," said Yoder.
Root's Country Market and Auction has been a feature in Lancaster County for 95 years. Readers who would like more information about the flea market may search on Facebook for "Root's Saturday Flea Market." Those who want additional information about all the Root's markets may visit http://www.rootsmarket.com.
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