Sharpsburg Neighborhood Organization teams with VFW for winter markets

Pancakes and crafts are on the menu select Sundays at the Sharpsburg VFW.

Chas Smith, organizer of the Sharpsburg Flea Market, is inviting people to check out the indoor event that is an extension of the Sharpsburg Neighborhood Organization’s popular outdoor summer series.

“It’s a nice way to spend the morning,” Smith said. “You never know what you might find, and you’re helping to support the VFW while you’re there.”

Admission is free but shoppers are encouraged to buy breakfast from the VFW kitchen while they browse. Hours are 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 16. A date in April will depend on the weather.

Glenn Drexler, VFW Quartermaster, said proceeds will be used to help with the purchase of a new roof at the Main Street site. Cost is expected to be about $300,000.

“For us, it’s a big way to raise community awareness that we’re here,” Drexler said.

He said the VFW provided a cooling station after a borough power outage last summer. The facility hosts weekly bingo, live music, Steeler Sundays, Medicare workshops and free Veteran’s Day dinners.

“We try to help the community as much as we can,” Drexler said. “We don’t want to close. We want to stay alive.”

Smith said the goal is to not only raise money but bolster community spirit.

A partnership with the VFW was a perfect way to draw people out during winter, Smith said.

“Some vendors sell gently-used stuff like music equipment, lamps and small furniture,” he said. “There’s a little bit of everything.”

The market, while new to the VFW, is heading into its third year outdoors along North Canal Street. They typically are held May to October.

Neighborhood Organization executive director Jodi Klebick said the new venture is a way to prompt socialization during cold winter months.

“It’s a typical flea market with utilitarian things like shampoo and toilet paper, and specialty items like crafts and jewelry,” she said. “For us, it’s a nice way to bring people together and provide access to these activities when it’s cold.”

Vendors can set up a booth at no cost. At the summer events, tables cost $5.

Drexler, who doubles as the breakfast chef, said home-cooked meals range from eggs and bacon to omelets and home fries.

“It’s a place where someone can come and get a breakfast that’s not too expensive and support the community while they’re at it,” Drexler said.

A January flea market was well-attended, Smith said, despite the frigid temperatures.

“It went pretty good for being 20 below 0 that day,” he said. “The VFW was generous enough to let us use their building and we want to encourage everyone to come out for a good cause. It’s a nice partnership.”