Penticton SPCA flea market back for the season

A popular flea market and important fundraiser for the South Okanagan Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is back for another season.

SPCA executive director Carolyn Hawkins says people have shown growing interest in the market since it began again last Sunday. The market was on again, off again over the past few weeks until the health orders changed in mid-March to allow flea markets to take place again, subject to COVID-19 protocols.

“It’s gaining interest pretty quick, especially with the nice weather,” Hawkins said.

The market didn’t begin operating until June 21 last year due to the pandemic.

Vendors are being added to the market on a daily basis, she says, and social distancing rules will be in effect and face masks will be mandatory.

“We’ll have one-way outlines, and one client per tent to keep social distancing at bay. Vendors will also have to carry out a health check every day they come in,” Hawkins says, along with lots of public signage.

The market runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sundays in the vacant lot in front of the Real Canadian Wholesale Club on Main Street.

“I think with the weather things will start coming around. It’s one of our major fundraisers, especially during COVID-19 since we can’t do events anymore. We have worked hard to stay in line with COVID-19 policies,” Hawkins says.

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