rose bowl flea market — dpb photography

Now why don’t we use the term “swap meet”? That sounds better, right? But if you research the historical origins of “flea market” there are several fascinating theories. Some think the term originated from the outdoor bazaars in Paris where they sold second hand furniture and rugs. A bargain hunter once described them as “le marché aux paces” (“market of fleas”) referencing that the used goods sold there had fleas in them. Americans seem to think all things French are refined and sophisticated so the name has stuck!

The Rose Bowl Flea Market, located around the perimeter of the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena has been operated by R.G. Canning Attractions for 50 years and is held every second Sunday of the month, rain or shine. There is a tiered admission fee, depending on how early you want to get there, but the general public admission is at 9:00 am and costs $9.00. You can purchase a ticket in advance. Or bring cash and pay at the gate. Bring a hat! Better yet, buy one there! And try to arrive at least by 10:30 am as the free parking spaces fill up quickly and the lines to get in can be long. The afternoon can get hot and lag and by 3:00 pm the vendors are packing up and ready to leave. Get the rectangular card where the schematic layout of the flea market is explained. The immediate area around the Rose Bowl is where you’ll find the newest items, while the outside larger perimeter has vintage merchandise. It’s about a mile just to get around the ring closest to the bowl, so be prepared for some walking.

I’ve lived in Pasadena since 1989 and I’ve been going to the flea market at least that long. Over the years I’ve bought new and used furniture, posters, clothing, CDs, hats and jewelry. While I admit these days I’ll go just for photographic opportunities or to share the experience with a friend, it’s still the same wonderful place that offers a unique variety of antiques, collectables, and new items that range from quirky handmade knits, baby clothes, handblown glass plant holders, fiberglass Christmas outdoor decorations, scented candles, purses, rubberized iridescent fishing baits, leather goods, unique jewelry, and yes, kilts for all ages. It’s also a treasure trove of people watching: from young families, to young couples, to seasoned buyers, along with celebrity sightings, and of course the usual Angeleno artistic individual style of bodily expression! The food choices have expanded from the classic hot dog, (still a bargain, along with a drink for $3.00) to more ethnic varieties. You can also get an alcoholic beverage! I treated myself to a generous plate of chicken taquitos with all the fresh fixings, plus a 16 ounce cup of horchata for $19.00. Not cheap but very delicious.

I briefly interviewed Angie, the Gate Aid Manager of the flea market who has worked there 22 years. Her job looked laborious, but she seemed to love it and was so patient with her employees running the gate. She says 20,000 visitors, on average, come to the Rose Bowl every month, November being the busiest. Angie says that it’s the most popular of the flea markets that R.G. Canning operates, (no surprise there since it’s touted as one of the biggest in the world), and despite pushing 80 years old, he’s there every month, making sure it stays clean, organized and efficient. She also says although attendance has dropped off over the years due to the economy and changing buyer patterns, it still makes money. Computers have helped make it run smoothly, but some things haven’t changed: there are still paper tickets issued at the entrance and the same old time circus music blares from the speakers. In case you use the bathroom and briefly forget you’re at the flea market and at a football game instead, there are framed reminders over the sinks!

While you’re perusing the goods, make time to talk to the vendors. Sure, they can be a bit salty and pushy, but most are passionate about their wares, especially if they’re handmade. Who doesn’t love being their own entrepreneur, even for a day? I talked with Taj Jackson of Taj Ambar Fashion House, who is a stylist and brought some gently used elegant and sleek designer clothing to sell. She wants to make money to do more fashion and ultimately bring her own team for productions in the entertainment industry. Julia Vaness is a designer and instructor who creates bright fun clothing and jewellry pieces with complex appliqués inspired by Japanese Anime and Disney theme parks. Fragrance of Elegance sells incredible candles that smell and closely resemble pastry, coffee drinks or ice cream confections like creme brûlée, mocha cappuccino, and piña colada. It was a family affair with two of their children happily offering scented wares. Hard to resist! Then there is J.T. Centonze of Off Kilter Kilts. He wears a torque, which is a piece of Celtic jewelry and dresses in kilts only. That gospel is quoted on his business card, “liberty from the tyranny of pants”. His selection of kilts in all sizes and patterns are in authentic tartan plaids, and check out his squidlits which are cute handmade toys? made out of yarn.

Break your habit of ordering online at the behemoth Amazon. Get out in public and enjoy the cooler weather with 20,000 of your new friends. Find that bargain or how about a unique handmade gift for the holidays? You’ll discover something you never thought you needed, but had to have. Go to this flea market, or swap meet, however you wish to call it!