Memorial Day Flea Market Draws Crowds to Bradley Beach

Temperatures in the high 70s and a perfect beach day drew visitors and residents first to the 2011 Memorial Weekend Art & Craft Fair, then, they ambled onto the sand following their browsing May 28.

The annual fair sponsored by the Borough of Bradley Beach took place May 28 and 29 along the Bradley Promenade on Ocean Avenue.  By mid-morning, there were hundreds of shoppers and browsers visiting the more than 100 vendors offering items such as scarves, puppets, sports memorabilia, T-shirts, wooden birdhouses, jewelry, sunglasses and purses.

Impressed by the amount of vendors was Christine Wachtler, Bradley Beach, who commented “It was definitely bigger this year.  It was really nice – a lot more vendors.”

Agreeing with her was Cathy Carnevale, Bradley Beach.  

“It’s bigger than usual – it’s way longer.  They shouldn’t have advertised it as a flea market – it’s a lot of new stuff,” she stated.

Not only were wares offered, but various foods such as pizza, zeppoles, barbecued items, burgers, tacos, baked goods and drinks such as smoothies and lemonade.

For kids of all ages, there were psychic readings, and air brush and henna tattoos, as well as a trampoline and sand art for the younger crowd.

Crowds young and old visited the numerous vendors, a few of which were “perishable” in the early summer heat.

Selling divine scented hand-made soy candles was Rosemary Bertinelli, Point Pleasant, owner of Sentiments Soy Candles based in Plethora Boutique, both Point Pleasant. 

“It’s my first year here – beautiful area for a show; the weather’s great!,” she exclaimed.

Also a newcomer was John Kalnas, owner of Jersey Trash, both Eatontown, who stated, “It’s my first year here.  We came by last year and were impressed.”

A newcomer not only at the fair, and now a permanent fixture on the boards was Hula Grill. 

“We used to be in Belmar, we moved to Bradley this summer – it’s been nice,” stated Hula employee Natalie Norcia, Bradley Beach, of the fair.

Commending the Borough of Bradley Beach for the event was Bob Kalfus, Keansburg. 

“We’ve been her since the beginning of time, at least eight or nine years,” stated Kalfus, owner of Puppets “N” Strings & Things, Keansburg, and continued, “It’s great – nice family crowd, and well-organized.”

Fair browsers Kathie Deak, Bradley Beach, and Diane Wormann, Piscataway, paused while perusing the hundreds of booths. 

“I live here – it’s great; we have all this fun stuff.  It’s a great way to celebrate the beach,” stated Deak.

The fair drew vendors not only locally, but from distant areas such as … Arizona?  OK, not that far just for one day. 

“I spend the summers here and I do the shows,” said Ed Petracca, Sun Lakes, Ariz., who owns E & D Sales, Mesa, Ariz., which sells various types of jewelry.

Traveling from Haines Falls, N.Y., were the Cassels of Luke & Lulu’s, Haines Falls. 

“It’s our first year here – so far, so good,” stated Carolyn Cassel, who added “My parents have a house in Bradley Beach, but we were coming for the fair anyway.”

Luther Wright of Luther’s Boutique, both Harrisburg, Pa., also had his collectibles on display. 

“It’s my third year here.  I love it.  It’s a nice atmosphere,” he stated.  “It’s a nice pleasant show – all shows are not equal.”

Summing up the general feeling of the event and atmosphere was Alan Becofsky, Parlin, as he stood behind his booth of collectibles and wind catchers. 

“I’ve been here five years – I think it’s a very nice show – it’s productive and fun,” he said.