Bellingham Flea Market opens

Downtown Bellingham has a new weekend attraction as of May 15 with the opening of O'Donnell's Bellingham Flea Market and Outdoor Food Market.

O’Donnell’s Bellingham Flea Market opened May 15 with the hope of bringing a new attraction to Downtown Bellingham.
Located at 1520 Cornwall Ave., next to the Bellingham Public Market, the Flea Market is now open on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. It boasts fun treasure hunting and a circus-like atmosphere.
The Flea Market is a sister project to O’Donnell’s Outdoor Food Market which opened Friday evening in the parking lot of the same location. Tacos the size of footballs from Ah! Chihuahua Tacos, slices of pizza from Cicchitti’s and hot dogs from Neiner Neiner Weiner were staples at the grand opening.
Dan O’Donnell and his dog, Frog, spent Friday night at the opening of the Outdoor Food Market, recruiting people to spread the word and get people to come and eat.
“Tell all your drunk friends to get down here,” he said.
Both projects were started by the 29-year-old entrepreneur with the goal of bringing more people to downtown. The Outdoor Market will provide a place for people to get cheap food in the evenings while the Flea Market offers fun treasure hunting on Saturday and Sunday during the day, he said.
“Part Flea Market, Part Circus”
O’Donnell compared the formation of his flea market idea to someone realizing Bellingham didn’t have a gas station.
“It’s really a no-brainer. Well duh! We need a flea market!” he said.
Now O’Donnell’s idea has become reality, with about 40 vendors inside selling things from organic dog treats to antique pottery. But the vendors will not be the same every week, he said, as the goal is to keep the market mysterious so people keep coming.
The other aspect to keep visitors interested is O’Donnell’s promise of “Part Flea Market, Part Circus.” Each week he has some carnival aspects planned such as magic, face painting, live music and massage booths, he said.
“It’s different every time, that’s why it’s cool,” O’Donnell said.
Flea Market brings year round spot for vendors
Booths at the Flea Market are available to all vendors who pay the daily rental fee of $26, provide their own tables and chairs and sign a Vendor Agreement, according to the market website.
Carolyn O’Donnell, a vendor and the mother of Dan O’Donnell, cleaned out her garage and attic the first weekend of the market and sold $122 worth of old movies and things she deemed trash.
“One man’s junk is another’s treasure,” she said.
Tessa García, a recycled jewelry maker and vendor last weekend, said that she thinks the Flea Market is a great opportunity for vendors because it will be open year-round. Most markets aren’t open on Sundays or during the winter, so O’Donnell’s market will provide a place for vendors to still sell during those times, she said.
While the Outdoor Market is open in the summer, the Bellingham Public Market, which is next door to the new festivities, may see an increase in business, according to employee Keeley Savatgy. They are open until 10 p.m. on Fridays, and what usually is a slow night might become busier with the presence of the Outdoor Food Market, she said.
A slow, but steady start
Another jewelry vendor, Jacqueline Starble, said that things were a little slow the first weekend but that the Flea Market has potential. She hopes that more vendors and customers will head to the Flea Market in December when the Bellingham Farmer’s Market closes.
“That’s when this will explode,” she said.
With the Ski to Sea Grand Parade passing right by their front door next weekend, hopes are high for increased awareness and clientele for the new markets, said Carolyn O’Donnell. She plans to have her booth ready for a considerable increase in business.
Tanna Anderson, a market customer, said she hopes the Flea Market does well.
“It would be great for people watching, filling bellies and buying cheap necklaces!” she said.
Now that it has started Dan O’Donnell thinks the two markets might outgrow the current location.
“We’ve got some big ideas,” he said.
Market staff members are also looking for more ideas for the space, as they own it during the week as well with no current plans for its usage, O’Donnell said.
For more information to visit, to give suggestions or to sign up for a booth, go to http://bellinghamfleamarket.wordpress.com/.