Cove Flea Market open for business on F.M. 116

By LYNETTE SOWELL

Cove Leader-Press

A handful of vendors turned out for the first weekend of the Cove Flea Market, located at 2709 South F.M. 116.

Covite Antonio Martinez is the owner of the 18+ acres of property and has looked into developing it for business use.

In the meantime, he’s started a flea market to fill a perceived need in the community.

“My mother-in-law Ruby suggested a flea market to me,” Martinez said. “She’s an avid flea market shopper, so she’s been to all the ones nearby and suggested that we do it in the meantime.”

At this time, there are about 20 vendor spots, he added.

“We’re considering moving the booth section to the front where the parking is, just to give us more visibility from the road.”

Martinez talked about the vendors on site for the first weekend of the market.

“We’ve got jewelry, a lady doing custom baskets, a lady that has natural skin care products. Another gentleman making custom wreaths. And there’s a little bit of everything trailer.”

He said that he and his wife are doing their best to get the word out about the opportunity.

“Pretty much anywhere we go now, we try to stay stocked with fliers as we’re out and about,” he added. “Since you have to accommodate your own space with tent and tables, we’re going with $10 per day for a 12 x 12-foot space.”

As far as shelter and amenities go, that is a work in progress.

“What we’re aiming for is bringing out buildings by June; portable buildings is what we’re thinking. Our first target is to build a bathroom,” Martinez said, laughing as he pointed to a portapotty set up onsite.

“Most of the vendors are local and a few are coming from Killeen. We’re still getting to know them. The most common response is, ‘We need that in Cove.’”

Martinez was quick to name what the market will not carry.

“No illegal items, no alcohol. No firearms. No sale of animals, specifically dogs.” However, the flea market will allow the sales of reptiles and amphibians, since those sales are regulated by permit.

Tasha Gibson, who owns Baskets Amore, was there selling her various gift baskets. She said she learned about the flea market by word of mouth on Facebook.

“I have a Facebook business page and it kind of fell into my lap that way,” Gibson said. As a Copperas Cove resident, she welcomed the opportunity. “We need this.”

Gibson said she is a party planner and can create any type of theme gift basket whatsoever.

Brenda Jordan was at the flea market on Saturday, selling her hand-embellished mirrors decorated with fabric crosses and silk flowers. She found the market online as well and was among the first to sign up.

“My dad does the wood framing, I do the decorating,” she said. “I had seen it on Facebook, and theirs was on wood, so I did the wooden cross. One day I got a mirror and did it just to see. I just started doing them.

Another vendor sold a variety of tires and rims, along with an assortment of yard-sale items to include toys, knickknacks and children’s clothing.

The market’s hours are scheduled for Friday through Sunday every week, 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. daily. For the most up to date hours or to find out more information, contact Martinez at (254) 278-9611.

The weekend’s weather forecast promised rain, but at this point, Martinez is looking forward to the market growing as word gets out. The market was closed Sunday due to the severe weather.