Let's make a deal
Flea markets draw bargain-hunters
Bill Florence sat on the tailgate of his pickup and watched a small crowd examine a yellow traffic light propped against his table.
"Seventy-five bucks. It's an antique - and it works," he told a curious onlooker. "OK, if you're interested, I can do $65."
The visitor hesitated, then moved on.
But the morning was still young, and the crowds were beginning to swell.
Long before first light, vendors and patrons crowd into Augusta's Barnyard Flea Market, where fashion has no bounds and cash is king. The smells range from boiled peanuts and cotton candy to live poultry and precious puppies sold nearby.
"If somebody out here ain't got it, you don't need it," drawled James Wood of Augusta, whose table of used picks, shovels, iron skillets, sledgehammers and other tools seemed to be selling just fine.
The people come from as far away as Savannah - and as close as next door - to peddle anything that can be hauled off and displayed at the expanse of reclaimed swampland off Doug Barnard Parkway. Just yards away is another shopping spot, South Augusta Flea Market.
Many dealers are regulars, offering everything from James Brown dolls to herbal Viagra substitutes, T-shirts and discounted cosmetics and video games.
"Some people have little stores," Mr. Florence said. "But usually, the stuff in the back and the outside tables is the older stuff from people cleaning out their garages and barns."
It's a place where the inventory is a lot like the weather. If you don't like it, come back the next day - it'll be different.
"You'll find something new every time you come out here," said Robert Moyer of Jackson, whose table included colorful spoils of a lifetime of digging for bottles.
For $1 each, you could own embossed bitters, extracts and medicinal bottles, many bearing their makers' names and cities. Pricier fare included Sheehan bottles made in Augusta in the 1890s - and priced in the $30 range. "It's all in what you're looking for," he said.
Don Mack drove in from Sylvania, Ga., to peddle an array of used goods that included a hand-carved child's rocking toy shaped like a fish.
"Picked it up at an estate sale," he said. "I want a hundred bucks for it."
Any nibbles? "Not yet," he said. "But that's OK. I sort of like keeping it."
Reach Rob Pavey at (706) 868-1222, ext. 119, or rob.pavey@augustachronicle.com.
Shopping Tips:
- If you don't like a price, make an offer. Many items are negotiable and might get cheaper get as the day wears on.
- Don't forget the "one-timers" who set up on the market's periphery. They often have "unpicked" treasures and will make better deals.
- If you're after something in particular or collect a certain item, be sure to ask. Regular dealers may know someone nearby who can help you.
- Take cash. You can often get a better deal with cash than with a check, and many do not accept debit or credit cards.
About the series
Many will come to Augusta this week to enjoy a world-class golf tournament. But where do Augustans and their guests go the rest of year? Where do they spend their time, relax and enjoy their community? This week we look at some of those places: a confidential look at our town.
Sunday: Diamond Lakes Regional Park
Monday: James Brown's statue
Tuesday: Al's Restaurant
Wednesday: The Riverwalk
Thursday: Julian Smith Casino
Friday: Savannah Rapids Pavilion
Saturday: Flea markets
Sunday: First Tee
