Arnold Rotary Takes the Reins of Community Flea Market Sept. 12

Bargain hunters, local makers, and families looking for a Saturday morning outing will have plenty to explore when the Arnold Rotary Club hosts a community flea market Sept. 12.

The event will run from 8 a.m. to noon at the Fox C-6 Service Center, 849 Jeffco Blvd. in Arnold, bringing together vendors, live music, food, and an opportunity to support local community projects.

The flea market itself is not a new idea. The event was previously organized by the Boy Scout troop, which passed it along to Arnold Rotary this year. Rotary organizer Lou Catic said the club saw an opportunity to continue the tradition while creating another event that could bring people into Arnold.

“Flea markets are a big thing around here,” Catic said. “I didn't even realize it before I started doing this, but it is a thing.”

With flea markets, vendor fairs, and community sales drawing crowds throughout Jefferson County, Catic said Rotary hopes the event can become another reason for residents to spend a morning in Arnold.

A Little Bit of Everything

Organizers are leaving the definition of “flea market” intentionally broad, which means shoppers could find anything from secondhand household items and garage cleanout treasures to handmade goods and baked items.

“If you're bringing me your stuff out of your garage or your basement that you just haven't seen and haven't used in like ten years, bring it,” Catic said. “But if you make jewelry or breads or baked items or anything, whatever it is you want to sell there, you buy a spot and then sell it.”

Around 24 vendors have already signed up, with some purchasing multiple spaces to accommodate larger setups.

Vendor registration remains open, giving residents, local makers, and small sellers another chance to participate before the event.

The wide open approach also means Catic and other Rotary members may be just as surprised as shoppers by what shows up on the tables Saturday morning.

Music, Breakfast, and Barbecue

Shopping will only be part of the morning.

The three member band Shake Before Using is scheduled to perform during the flea market, adding live music to the event.

The Boy Scouts will remain part of the day as well, with members preparing breakfast items early in the morning before transitioning into barbecue as lunchtime approaches.

That continued involvement helps connect the event's past with its new home under Arnold Rotary.

Turning a Flea Market Into Community Support

For Arnold Rotary, the flea market is also another way to support the club's work throughout the community.

Rotary provides scholarships for local high school graduates and has also worked to make sure students pursuing technical and vocational careers have opportunities for financial support.

“We know that college isn't for everybody,” Catic said.

The club has helped establish scholarship opportunities for students pursuing technical and vocational education, recognizing that a successful career can begin through many different paths.

“You don't have to go to college to make money and to earn a living,” Catic said.

Arnold Rotary also supports veterans organizations, local nonprofits, charitable projects, and other efforts that benefit families throughout the community.

Catic pointed to past support for organizations and projects including the Salvation Army, the James Two Project, veterans causes, and other community needs that Rotary members learn about throughout the year.

An Invitation to Get Involved

The flea market will also give visitors an opportunity to learn more about Arnold Rotary itself.

A Rotary information booth will be available for residents who have considered volunteering or who simply want to learn more about what the organization does in Arnold and throughout Jefferson County.

Catic said his own involvement in community service grew from volunteering with Gateway Food Pantry. What began as one opportunity eventually led him to Rotary and another way to serve.

“I fell in love with this group too,” Catic said. “They really do good things.”

By taking over the flea market this year, Arnold Rotary hopes to preserve an event residents already know while giving it another purpose: bringing neighbors together and helping fund work that reaches back into the community.