Food and flea markets go together like military veterans and community service.

That is what officials at the Sharpsburg Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 709 and resident Chas Smith Jr. believe as they prepare for the second annual benefit breakfast and holiday flea market set for Dec. 14.

The bingo hall at 1017 Main St. will be transformed into an eatery and market with seating for at least 40 people and more than 30 vendor spots.

Vendors are still wanted for the event, which is free to participate in.

Smith, event organizer, said they are looking for antiques, arts and crafts, clothing, toys, games, books, housewares, electronics and more.

He has coordinated Sharpsburg’s community flea market for many years.

His father, Charles Smith Sr., was an Army colonel and served as the Post’s first Black commander in the early 1970s.

The son said he has some fond memories of the place and hopes to make new ones next month.

“(My dad) loved this place and they need help,” Smith said.

This is one of the first major events at the Post since a fire damaged the bar/lounge area on the other side of the building in early summer.

Post quartermaster treasurer/secretary Glenn Drexler said a plug malfunctioned, sparking an electrical fire around 5:30 a.m. June 1.

No one was inside at the time of the fire and the smoke alarms did go off, he said.

Firefighters made a quick response and were able to isolate the fire to the bar area, which sustained heavy smoke and water damage. No injuries were reported.

The Post was closed from June through July and reopened at about half occupancy in August.

“We’re recovering from two months of non-operation,” Drexler said.

It opened a bar area in the bingo hall in October. Wednesday night bingos have also resumed. An insurance company is helping with restoration costs.

Repairs by Franjo Construction remain ongoing after a previous restoration company failed to get the job done.

Drexler said about two-thirds of patrons have returned. The goal is to be back at full service to start the new year.

The VFW has about 400 members, including social and regular members; of those, about 120 are active patrons.

Drexler expects a big turnout at the benefit.

“I‘m hoping we pack the hall,” Drexler said. “We pick up some of the church crowds, too. Last year, we actually got to the point where we were at just about at maximum (250 people). We were moving tables around to accommodate. (The bar) was closed during the breakfast event. We were all on this side here. It will all be on this side again.”

Breakfast meals range from a $5 English muffin sandwich to a full $14 plate with pancakes, eggs, applewood bacon, pork sausage, homefries and toast.

Drinks include coffee, tea, pop, juice and water. A la carte options will also be available for purchase. Cash only.

More information and vendor registration are available by calling the VFW at 412-781-7771 or Chas Smith Jr. at 412-927-9221.

More information about VFW activities is available on the Post’s Facebook page.

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