k PtUO N THe C RE
PENSACOLA PUNK ROCK FLEA MARKET by Dakota Parks
a
cross major cities in the US, you can
find a hardcore gathering of people clad
in leather jackets, tattoos, mohawks and
mullets, ready for headbanging and moshing⁄
or just shopping. The Punk Rock Flea Market is a widespread cultural phenomenon that harmoniously embraces the punk rock subculture
with DIY aesthetics, artisans, eclectic art, macabre goods and oddities for sale at the
same event. Back for its 5th year, the Pensacola Punk Rock Flea Market was originally
founded by Bari Kyle of Nearly Dead Threads
& Oddities, but the baton has been passed to
longtime vendor-turned-organizer, Megan Wills. This year’s event will be held on October 24
from 2–5 pm at 432 W Belmont Street. 12 | DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM
Lemonbright and
Rocket Anyway Vintage “I think the market does a really creepy home décor, curated oddigood job at helping people find ties, Halloween-themed items, their people. It gives room for antiques and aptly termed “punk everybody to come together junk.” As Wills explained, this and coexist in a judgement- year’s event will be the biggest free space,” Wills said. “My market yet with more than 60 favorite part is seeing shy, vendors scheduled. introverted people come to life at the event and discover “We’ve all been on lockdown, waiting people that have their same for the world to reopen, so I think fascinations and interests. markets are starting to pick back You know, you don’t have up and people are really excited to to be a punk or a punk rock get back out there,” Wills explained. person to come to the event. “One of my insider tips for shopIt’s the wide variety of goods, ping the market is to walk a loop artisans and the general vibe and browse all of the vendors first that is punk.” before you start spending money, so you don’t get to the end and have The vendors at the market buyer’s remorse. With this many create and sell eclectic one- vendors, it’s easy to spend all of of-a-kind artwork and goods your money before you even reach that range from vintage and the end of the lineup.” upcycled clothing to handmade jewelry, potted plants, While performances from local horror and fan memorabilia, punk bands are a usual staple at
At the Pensacola Punk Ro ck Fl ea Ma rk et , I ca n fully be myself and let my
“
fREaK FLAG flY.”
