ST REGIS – Mineral County residents will have the opportunity to pursue approximately 30 vendors selling their wares at the fall flea market at the community park in St. Regis starting Friday, Aug. 16, sponsored by the community council.

The event will feature a wide variety of vendors as well as food and other refreshments. St. Regis Community Council President John Cheesman said, while he’s not exactly sure how many vendors will be at the market, he was expecting a similar turnout to previous years.

“Last year we had about 30 vendors and we are hoping to have even more this year,” Cheesman said. “We never really know who is going to show up until they show up at the gate. A lot of people from last year have said they were going to come.”

Cheesman said in past years, vendors have sold a wide variety of products ranging from llama and alpaca wool to essential oils. He said there would be something for everyone and he was hoping for a good turnout from the community.

“There will be a variety of antiques and yard sale items,” Cheesman said. “There will be used and new items available. There will be furniture. It’s a combination of a lot of different things.”

Cheesman said the fall flea market, in its third year, has seen a gradual growth in popularity in the county. He said the event may also feature a product prized by local fruit pickers.

“We might have someone this year selling huckleberries,” Cheesman said. “But you never know until they show up just exactly what we’ll have.”

There will also be no shortage of refreshments available, according to Cheesman.

He said, amongst other options, attendees will be able to take advantage of some of the best grilling in Mineral County.

“We have the best hamburgers in the county,” Cheesman said. “There will be a concession stand and drinks. There will be a popcorn guy and somebody there will be selling ice cream.”

Cheesman said, while the event is not nearly as big as the spring flea market, he thought it was still an event worth attending. He said getting the word out there is another flea market in the fall had proved to be a challenge.

“The one in the spring usually has nearly 200 vendors and thousands of people show up to that one,” Cheesman said. “We started that one with seven people and it has been going for 30 years. It’s one of the first ones in the spring and people really want to get out and attend it.”

According to Cheesman, the event not only provides an opportunity to see what local vendors have to offer and support local businesses, it’s also a way for community members to bond.

“I think it’s a good chance for people to get out and meet each other,” Cheesman said. “It’s a good gathering place and it’s fun for people.”

The flea market will run Friday, Aug. 16 through Saturday, Aug. 17, starting at 10 a.m. both days. Cheesman said vendors wishing to participate should call 406-280-0033. The cost for vendors is $50.