Indoor Flea Market season starts soon

Story and photo by Christine June

USAG Kaiserslautern


U.S. Army Garrison Kaiserslautern’s Indoor Flea Market season starts again March 20 at the Special Events Center, Bldg. 237 on Rhine Ordnance Barracks.

“Before you go out and spend money on 220-volt items, I recommend you check out the flea market first,” said Steve Selvey, the garrison’s Kaiserslautern Outdoor Recreation manager, who administers the Indoor Flea Markets. “It’s a great opportunity to purchase 220-volt items at a good price and to sell them.”
This is the fourth season that the garrison’s Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Directorate has provided these markets as a service to the community. The flea market season runs until October.

“Personnel PCSing out of the community have this opportunity to sell their items in a nice indoor environment out of the weather,” Mr. Selvey said.

“I really like how you are able to display your items on nice big tables,” said Mari Warwick, a Ramstein Elementary School first-grade teacher, who has sold more than $900 worth of merchandise at past markets.

Ms. Warwick said she also likes that she didn’t have to set up her own tables and that it’s easy to unload her “treasures.”

“Our staff sets up tables in advance so all sellers have to do is unload their cars at the entrance to the facility and get ready to sell,” Mr. Selvey said. “We have some large doors that are opened, allowing plenty of room to bring items in and out of the building.”

He added that sellers are able to unload their cars close to the entrance and then park their cars in the regular lot after they’re finished.

Market hours are from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Doors for sellers open at 6:30 a.m. to give them time to display their items. Mr. Selvey recommends sellers show up at least 30 minutes prior to the doors opening for buyers – promptly at 8 a.m.

“We’ll take reservations up to the day prior and even walk-ins the day of,” Mr. Selvey said. “We have plenty of tables on hand and display space in the facility so numbers are not a problem.”

As an experienced seller, Mrs. Warwick said there are some helpful tips to remember.

“Bring plenty of plastic bags, and make sure to have U.S. and euro change on hand,” she said.

These flea markets are open to ID cardholders and their authorized guests. The Indoor Flea Market schedule is March 20, April 17, May 15, June 19, July 17, Aug. 21, Sept. 18 and Oct. 16.

Prospective sellers can make reservations by calling Kaiserslautern Outdoor Recreation at 493-4117 or 0631-3406-4117. Cost is $25 for two tables and a bench.