2 flea markets planned in Tarentum area

It’s going to be a good day for flea market lovers and collectible and antique hunters in the Tarentum area Sunday.

Two events are planned — the first “Fleatique” of the year at the Tour-Ed Mine grounds in Fawn, and the first “Trash to Treasure” outside of J.G.’s Tarentum Station Grille in Tarentum.

Fleatique will run from dawn to noon; Trash to Treasure will be from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Both are fundraisers.

Fleatique supports the Alle-Kiski Valley Historical Society and the Tour-Ed Mine; Trash to Treasure will benefit the borough’s recreation board.

Organizers hope the events will complement each other, said Dolly Mistrik, a former president of the historical society who still helps organize Fleatique.

“We’ll send people up there and they can send people down here,” said Gina Landa, treasurer of the Tarentum Recreation Board.

This will actually be the recreation board’s second attempt at having its market, which Landa said they want to be an annual event. The first try last year was rained out.

Should there be rain Sunday, it will be canceled again and not rescheduled, Landa said.

Fleatique goes on rain or shine.

Landa said 25 vendors are expected for Trash to Treasure. They’ll be set up in the borough parking lots on both sides of the restaurant, which is closed Sundays.

“We’ve had an overwhelming response. We’ve had to tell people we don’t have any more room,” Landa said. “We’re looking forward to having fun.”

At least 175 vendors are expected for Fleatique, now in its 37th year. It’s held on the third Sunday of each month from May through October.

It’s the historical society’s biggest fundraiser, which Mistrik said they rely on to pay the bills.

While some show up quite early, Mistrik said it’s busiest from 7 to 9:30 a.m., and between 10 and 11 a.m.

There’s a $3 charge to park, and pets are not permitted.

The mine will be open for tours, Mistrik said.

While she stepped down as president of the historical society, Mistrik couldn’t give up Fleatique.

“I love the characters at the Fleatique,” she said. “It’s a little bit of work. It’s just so much fun out there I didn’t want to give it up.”