There is one more reason to visit downtown Kennett Square on Saturdays this spring and summer.

The Kennett East End Market debuted at the Weinstein parking lot on East State Street on May 14. This weekly flea market is the work of the Kennett Area Restaurant and Merchant Association (KARMA). Organizers said that the event got off to a good start.

“We had our opening day and it was a good day for the start,” explained Lynn Sinclair, the owner of the Sunrise Café, who also serves as the secretary for KARMA. “We wanted to have one more thing that would bring people to town.”

At the first event, vendors were offering everything from vintage clothing to home goods to antiques. There will be different vendors, crafters, and local residents renting space to sell flea market items each week.

“We're hoping that there will be something different at the market every week,” Sinclair explained.

KARMA members initially came up with the idea for a flea market as a way for people to clean out their closets, garages, and bookshelves. It also helps serve the community because people can shop for unique items that are being sold at good prices.

Sinclair said that she sold an antique bench, a lamp, and some home goods at the first flea market. Plus, the event is a good opportunity to spend some time talking with friends and neighbors or to meet new people.

“It was a real social event for the people who were there,” Sinclair explained of the first week of the market.

The market is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Saturday, weather permitting. Sinclair said that the last market day this year will be Aug. 27.

Vendors can reserve space in the Kennett East End Market for $30 a week. The proceeds from the flea market will help KARMA stage other events throughout the year, including the Student Art Show, the Art on the Square Festival and the Halloween Parade.

For more information about the Kennett East End Market or to reserve vendor space, contact Steve Warner at the Kennett Square Inn at 610-444-5688 or Sinclair at [email protected].