FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 4, 2010
Contact: Daniel Groce Tel. 478/742-5084 E-mail: dgroce@historicmacon.org
HISTORIC MACON HOSTS 33RD ANNUAL FLEA MARKET OCT. 16 (Macon, GA) For almost 20 years, Pat Powell has been pricing items and testing televisions in the electronics section of Historic Macon Foundation’s annual flea market. “When I was younger, I saw older men, men about my age now, working the electronics section, “ Powell said. “I wanted to come help so that I could be a part of it and see all of the interesting things that were brought in.” As older men retired, Powell stepped in to manage the electronics department, just one of 13 sections at the annual event. Powell is not alone in his long-time volunteer service to Historic Macon. Almost 20 other Maconites have worked on particular sections of the flea market for more than 20 years to support the historic and architectural preservation work of the organization. The group has almost become a club, they meet every Wednesday in the fall to sort, price and marvel over items donated to the organization, but they spend time socializing and reminiscing as well. “I am not sure how many years I have volunteered at Historic Macon’s Flea Market,” said Betty Sweet Ladson. “It’s been a long, long time, and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.” For 33 years, Historic Macon has been turning some Maconites’ household junk into treasures and this year is no different. On Saturday, Oct. 16, Historic Macon will host its 33rd Annual Flea Market at 668 Shurling Dr. from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. The Flea Market boasts hundreds of items, including antiques, fine gifts, furniture, electronics, kitchenware, knick-knacks, holiday items, children’s toys and other inventory. “Our Flea Market has established itself as a Central Georgia tradition,” said Historic Macon Foundation President Jeff Logan. “All proceeds help support the mission of Historic Macon,” he continued. Historic Macon has rehabilitated 146 historic properties to date, increasing Macon's tax base by $9 million.
Volunteers and staff of the organization collect items from households throughout the year, storing them at the 8,000 square-foot warehouse located in the Northeast Plaza Shopping Center on Shurling Drive. The items are then divided into different sections where volunteers sort and price each donation. The event is free and open to the public, but a Preview Party will be held on Friday, Oct. 15 from 6 until 9 p.m. Members of Historic Macon Foundation pay $25 to have the first chance to purchase items in the Flea Market, and refreshments are also provided. “The best part of our Flea Market is seeing the happy faces of satisfied customers who are also supporting Historic Macon,” Logan said. “Turning one household’s trash into another household’s treasure at our flea market is a lot like what we do every day, restore forgotten properties in Macon into homes that other families can enjoy for years to come.” Historic Macon is a nonprofit organization that advocates for Macon’s historic and architectural heritage and facilitates preservation efforts in the community. For more information, visit www.historicmacon.org or call 478.742.5084. ###