Shirley Wambolt of Front Lake is shown with some of the items she sells at the Bargain Hunters Flea Market. The 68-year-old has been selling there since it began 45 years ago. Photo by T.J. Colello /Cape Breton PostArticle contentThe Bargain Hunters Flea Market will mark its 45th anniversary this year and for Shirley Wambolt, she’s been there since the beginning.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentBut for the 68-year-old Front Lake resident, it’s about more than just turning a profit.Article contentArticle content“You can ask my children and my sisters – that’s all I have been talking about over the last couple of months. I can’t wait for the flea market,” said Wambolt.Article contentArticle content“When we finished in September, I brought my stuff I had left over home and I sorted it right away, getting ready for this flea market. I have between 70-80 tubs ready to go.”Article contentSOCIAL ASPECTArticle contentThis year, Wambolt said she has even more things to clear out of her home. After her husband, Glen, died in July of last year, she’s decided to sell her home and downsize.Article contentShe said Glen was also a regular at the flea market and called him a “social butterfly” who loved interacting with the patrons. That’s another reason she loves to attend.Article content“There are a lot of people that go in and don’t buy,” said Wambolt. “They just love coming in and seeing the same people and chatting with the same people over the years.”Article contentWambolt said she began selling at the flea market when it was located at the Sydney Shopping Centre before it became a strip mall and had a table located across from the former Heather Lanes.Article contentArticle content“I sell everything and anything,” she said. “I sell toys, clothes, dishes. My husband, once I got him into the flea market, he would sell his collections like his Star Wars stuff, jewelry, everything.Article contentArticle content“I always say to my kids I can sell a rock. I absolutely love the flea market.”Article content From left, Chris Lee, owner/operator of Bargain Hunters Flea Market, and helper Kevin Wall bring in some of the 200 tables that will be set up at the Cape Breton County Recreation Centre in Coxheath on Sunday for the first flea market of the season. Photo by T.J. Colello /Cape Breton PostArticle content‘IT’S A FAMILY TRADITION’Article contentChris Lee of Membertou is entering his third season as owner/operator of Bargain Hunters after buying the venture from former owner George Peters. Before taking the reins, Lee was a longtime vendor at the market.Article content“It’s every year,” Lee said of the public anticipation. “Where we go on vacation for the winter, everybody wants to come and they can’t wait for spring. They can’t wait to go to the flea market. It’s a family tradition.Article content“It’s to the point where advertising isn’t really needed. It’s just word of mouth now.”Article content The Bargain Hunters Flea Market will begin its 45th anniversary season on Sunday. Owned and operated by Chris Lee, the flea market opens each spring at the County Recreation Centre in Coxheath. Photo by T.J. Colello /Cape Breton PostArticle contentThe flea market will run until this coming Sunday until mid to late September, depending on when the ice returns to the arena. They have 200 tables set up and Lee says about 140 vendors in total, with some getting multiple tables.Article contentThis year, they’ll have another row of about 14 tables just under the rink’s scoreboard as an overflow area to accommodate those vendors who were formerly outside.
Cape Breton flea market opens 45th anniversary season
