The Topanga Vintage Market hosted another successful event at Pierce College on Sunday, Feb. 23, with vendors, attendees, and artists all negotiating in the lively flea market.
Co-founders Lori Rotblatt and Patrice Curedale were enthusiastic about the diverse and self-governed community, with shoppers showing up as early as opening for a chance to get the best bargain. Curedale personally enjoys the ‘open-market’ scenario, and embraces the assorted crowd.
“It’s kind of like this little village that pops up during the day and disappears overnight,” Curedale said. “A little adventure: you have no idea what you’re going to find.”
Starting March 15, the Melrose Trading Post, another Southern California pop-up flea market, will begin hosting their event at Taft High School. Rotblatt considers this to be good for The Topanga Vintage Market rather than detrimental.
“It could help vendors flourish,” Rotblatt said. “If our vendors promote their goods at that venue, then we might see community growth.”
Curedale added that when Topanga Vintage Market first started, other vintage markets supported their cause.
Nine-year-old appraisal prodigy Connor McCrory also had a booth at the vintage market, displaying his skills to collectors, vendors, and generally anyone interested. McCrory has been featured on T.V. programs such as “The Queen Latifah Show” and “Wake Up San Diego.”
“I bought a Barbie doll at one market for $75 that turned out to be worth three thousand,” said McCrory, explaining how his eye for antique items helped him acquire expensive and rare collectibles.
In regards to his age and how it affects him in the appraisal and antiquing business, he explained that most collectors were fascinated with the amount of knowledge he has about the industry.
Kym Levy, a vendor that actually owns a store in Canoga Park called the Rummage Rat Thrift Shop, displayed a myriad of trinkets and knick-knacks.
“Everything goes for a dollar,” Levy said while handling a ceramic milk jug. “We’re like the 99 cent store!”
Another booth that sold vintage clothes including everything from sundresses to old-school Nikes drew many curious marketgoers. Owners Gary and Pamela Dent described how they love the ambience they provide at their booth, titled ‘Papiollon.’
“I have stuff from the 70s, 80s, and 90s,” Pamela said. “Shoppers can always find something they love here.”
In the Artist Alley, Hexlab Makerspace promoted the use of their 3-D printer, which is practical for modern-day pioneers.
Josh Siefer, a Hexlab Makerspace representative, explained how the complex new device has helped inspire innovation for creators of all types.
“3-D printers are capable of making prototypes, tools, and other items for inventors,” Siefer said.
The Topanga Vintage Market also provided entertainment and refreshments for the event, with live music playing and food trucks providing freshly made cuisine.
The market plans to return to Pierce College on the last Sunday of every month.
