There was nary a cloud in the sky when the Monkland & District Community Centre hosted the grand reopening of its Flea Market. Matt Shea explained that there were over 34 vendors at the event, with an estimated crowd of 500 people which attended. Thompson Goddard Photo

MONKLAND – The sun was shining for the Monkland Flea Market (MFM) during their grand reopening on June 27, with over 30 vendors attending and plenty of customers looking for that special something to purchase. Matt Shea, Monkland and District Community Centre (MDCC) vice president explained the MFM will be held every second Sunday between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. until Oct. 31. This is of course dependant on COVID-19 restrictions and in accordance with guidelines from the Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU).

Shea described the event as “an overwhelming success,” commenting how the flea market’s goal is designed to support “entrepreneurs and small businesses” by providing an “affordable venue to market their products.” 

He continued how the Flea Market appears to help not only the community centre, “but increased patronage to local businesses” before continuing that vendors seemed pleased with the turnout at the event estimated at over 500 people; customers expressed “how nice it was to get out during the Covid restrictions.”

When asked about the proposed Farmers’ Market, Shea explained that the project was unable to move forward this year due to the pandemic, noting farmers “are welcome to attend the flea market” and hopes that next year there will be a weekly Farmers’ Market in Monkland.

Shea thanked the members of the Monkland & District Community Centre volunteer committee (MDCCVC) who work “diligently to improve the centre and bring the community together.” Shea expressed his appreciation for the support shown from local businesses as the goal of “a new and improved park and larger outdoor skating rink” is being worked on.

Looking forward, Shea hopes to see more events at the MDCC “such as movies in the park, fairs, concerts, etc.”, with plans “to have an open house in the future to show the community the improvements to the centre.”