Okay, so, this year I made it out to the Elk City Flea Market, and let me tell you, it was a blast! I heard it’s a yearly thing, always in early October, but with the whole pandemic mess, they had to skip 2020. I figured I’d check it out this time around, since it’s back on.
First off, I started digging around online to get the scoop. I found out that this flea market is called the “Annual Route 66 Flea Market,” and it’s a big deal, run by the Western Oklahoma Historical Society. They hold it at Ackley Park, which is easy enough to find at 2600 W. 3rd St. in Elk City. I marked down the date, October 6-8, 2023, in my calendar, making sure I wouldn’t miss it.
I started getting ready a few days before, checking the weather and deciding what to wear. Since it’s outdoors, I went with comfortable shoes and layered clothes, just in case it got chilly. I also made sure to grab some cash, you know, since not all vendors take cards, especially at flea markets.
On the day of, I got up early, grabbed a coffee, and hit the road. Elk City’s about 110 miles west of Oklahoma City, right off Interstate 40, so it was a pretty straightforward drive. When I got there, the park was already buzzing with people. I found a spot to park and just followed the crowd in.
Getting Down to Business
- Browsing the Booths: Man, there were so many booths! I heard there were over 200 vendors, and it sure looked like it. I started strolling around, checking out all the stuff they had. There was everything from old records and vintage clothes to handmade crafts and antiques. I spent a good chunk of time just wandering around, taking it all in.
- Haggling for Deals: This is where the fun really started. I found a few things I liked, like an old Route 66 sign and a couple of vintage t-shirts. I started talking to the vendors, and we went back and forth on the prices. I managed to snag the sign for a pretty good deal after a bit of friendly haggling. It felt good to get a bargain!
- Meeting People: I ended up chatting with quite a few folks, both vendors and other shoppers. Everyone was super friendly, sharing stories about their finds or what they were looking for. It was cool to connect with people over shared interests, you know?
I ended up spending most of the day there, just soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying the hunt. It was a real community vibe, and I loved it. I grabbed some food from one of the food trucks parked nearby—a classic burger and fries, nothing fancy, but it hit the spot. After my stomach filled up, I went back to the market.
By the end of the day, I was pretty beat but in the best way. I walked away with a few cool finds, some new stories, and a bunch of memories. The Elk City Flea Market was definitely worth the trip, and I’m already thinking about going back next year. It’s not just about the stuff you can buy; it’s about the experience, the people, and the whole vibe of the event. If you’re into flea markets or just looking for a fun day out, I’d totally recommend checking it out!
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