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'Old-School' Flea Market to Open Near Citi Field with Food and Amish Wares

By Katie Honan | April 1, 2015 4:52pm
 The Roosevelt Avenue Flea Market opens in this parking lot on April 4.
The Roosevelt Avenue Flea Market opens in this parking lot on April 4.
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DNAinfo/Katie Honan

CORONA — An "old-school" flea market is popping up near Citi Field this weekend, featuring everything from furniture to food and Amish wares, according to the organizer.

The Roosevelt Avenue Flea Market opens Saturday and runs each weekend through the end of the month at the south parking lot, across from the Mets' home ballpark at 121 Roosevelt Ave., according to organizer Orly Ramirez.

Ramirez came up with the plan last fall after the Valley Stream Flea Market in the Green Acres parking lot shut down. Many of those vendors were displaced when the Aqueduct Flea Market closed in 2010.

While some businesses went out to Suffolk County and to the new Aquaduck Market in Brooklyn, there was still a void, Ramirez, 53, said. 

"People were trying to find a place to reopen and do their business," he said. 

He thought of the parking lot adjacent to the main lots by Citi Field, made some calls, "and we're here, ready to open," he said. 

The market will open April 4 from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m. with dozens of tables that sell a bit of everything, he said.

"Ours is the old flea market style — everything goes," he said. "Good food, new stuff, electronics, used clothing."

Amish vendors will also be at the opening on Saturday, selling handmade furniture and pre-packaged food. 

A self-described entrepreneur, Ramirez hopes the market continues to grow and provide a home for vendors who make their living selling affordable goods. 

"There are many people who have flea market jobs and make a living doing that," he said.