Lions Club Flea Market kicks off for fall

The sounds of tinkling wind chimes joined with the rustle of leaves and scampering of children's feet at Riverside Park at Old 41 Road and Pennsylvania Street as the weekly flea market kicked off its first Saturday back in downtown Bonita.

The flea market was seen by some as more than just a fun event filled with fresh produce and affordable wares, but as a potential economic boost to the quaint downtown business district.

"I think it will kind of beef up this area," Bonita Springs resident Kathy Maruzzi said. "I'm assuming for the workers it's better because there is more exposure" along Old 41 Road.

The move to Riverside Park marks the first time in about 10 years that the flea market has not been on Bonita Springs Recreation Center property behind Bonita Middle School, said Lions Club member John Elliff, who also is manager of the flea market. The recreation center land is slated for the city's new skate park.

City officials hope to revitalize the commercial district along Old 41 Road, and some residents and City Council members think the move will help attract more shoppers to the downtown.

"I think it'll draw attention to the downtown," Elliff said as he sat on the edge of the bandshell stage looking out at the booths lined with shoppers. "I think it'll increase commercial real estate values. I think that's what the City Council wants to see."

As more people funnel to the flea market, the increased traffic could spill over to other portions of the Old 41 Road business district, Mayor Paul Pass said.

"We hope we all win out from it," he said.

Lions Club members have hosted the flea market for about 20 years, Elliff said, beginning at the banyan tree across Old 41 Road from Riverside Park. The flea market is open from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., and will end this year on Easter weekend, he said.

The lure of a farmer's market drew Bonita Springs resident Bob Oshinsky and his wife to the park. Oshinsky said the new location for the flea market is probably better for the community because more shoppers might visit other shops, as well.

Elliff said the park could be used as an attraction to the downtown, with the flea market as a start for increased economic prosperity.

"We have an amazingly strong clientele that's been with us 10 to 15 years," Elliff said. "It's going to be wonderful."

Holding an onion as she looked through an assortment of fresh vegetables, Maruzzi said she visited the flea market in search of fresh produce, but traffic around the park was too congested for her taste. She voiced concerns about shoppers crossing busy streets to reach the park.

"I liked the last (location) better," she said.