Events

Park hosts open market

Antique lovers, bohemian shoppers and bargain hunters everywhere walked the Grace Event Lawn at Discovery Green on Saturday for the monthly Flea by Night market event, which featured approximately 40 merchant booths that offered a variety of recycled, reused and renewed merchandise, from collectable airplane gadgets crafted from old beer and soda cans to hand-painted cowboy boots.

Nan Stombaugh’s booth attracted a lot of attention by featuring her Nan Edwards Collection jewelry, a mix of repurposed art and jewelry pieces.

As a participating merchant since Discovery Green Flea first began in September, Stombaugh’s booth has seen what she estimates as more than 1,000 customers interested in her crafts.

Inspired by her grandmother’s memory and early- to mid-century designs, Stombaugh offers kitschy and unique vintage necklaces and earrings created from found or recycled objects.

“If these aren’t vintage, they’re definitely still antique,” Stombaugh said. “I’m really interested in the history of things and making sure that I help preserve the earth is really important to me. Flea by Night helps accomplish that.”

Danny Adams, co-owner of Texas Hill Country Olive Company, offered customers free samples of homemade and 100 percent organic olive oils and balsamic vinegars at his stand. At the affordable price of $15, vinegars could be purchased in seven unique flavors including wild cherry, peach and red apple.

Next to the surprisingly refreshing tastes of their vinegars, Adams and his wife gave out open invitations to visit the family-owned orchard in Dripping Springs and also provided customers with the opportunity to adopt their very own olive tree.

Among the other booths were representatives from vintage shop Re.ology, Aluminum Airplane Guys and stuffed-toy specialists CultGrrrl Creations.

“I really enjoy coming here,” said Paulina Arnold, an attendee of the event. “Not only does Flea by Night promote recycling and going green, but it also helps out small businesses.”

As if the shopping wasn’t enough fun, attendees of Flea by Night were treated with a sunset performance by the Houston Jazz Band and local artist Tianna Hall, Grammy-recognized vocalist and University of Houston alumna.

Discovery Green’s Flea by Night takes place on the third Saturday of every month at varying times. For more information, visit www.discoverygreen.com/discovery-green-flea.

[email protected]

Leave a Comment