January 12, 2016

Getting Ready For The Polka Dot Flea

It's that time again...
I'm busy organizing the 3rd annual


To catch up any new readers..I (Along with my son) organize and promote the Polka Dot Flea.  Three years ago I decided to start the Polka Dot Flea for a few reasons.  Foremost, there were no vintage shows in Orlando.  If I wanted to shop (Or be a vendor) at a large show, it was about an hour in any direction from downtown Orlando.  When I asked around, I noticed interest from other vendors looking for a local, indoor, air-conditioned venue.  Like me, they were thrilled with the prospect of not having to fight rain, fire ants, dirt, heat and driving to and fro.  So I knew there was a need, but someone had to start this local show...

Why not me!!!


Three years ago I carried out my vision of a local, indoor (air-conditioned) show, with the best of friendly dealers in a fun, vibrant, atmosphere.  It's a well organized bonanza filled with fabulous finds of vintage, rusty, quirky, shabby, industrial, and repurposed goods.  Our vendors find or repurpose an item to make it chic or funky...and people line up to buy them


We could not believe our eyes when we opened the doors last year and they were lined up as far as we could see!


The first year was a one day show and such a success (The only complaint on Facebook was that it was to crowded) so the second year we expanded to a two day show and went from 7000 sq ft to 21,000 sq ft of fabulous vendors!


We have no plans to grow the show any bigger, this is it, a once a year show with a 100 well chosen, best of the best, vendors... We love our vendors, they ARE the show and we are so honored to have them.....


.....We have a large, energetic staff, all equipped with walkie talkies who's main goal it is, to make the Polka Dot Flea the best experience possible for the Vendors and Customers alike


So right now, we are knee deep into the planning....Sorting through vendor applications, organizing staff,  working on props....This year it is a Vintage Circus Theme, how fun is that!!...Making name tags, working on the Polka Dot Flea lounge...


...Ordering posters and postcards, marketing, etc. etc. etc.
Yep, we are taking care of all the details...

...So come on down, we would love to see you in Orlando, Florida
 June 11-12!

If you would like to be a vendor we are now taking applications at the Polka Dot Flea website Here


I am truly blessed to be able to watch my vision come to life and to  call something 
I love doing...My job!

Happy Creating!
Carol


17 comments:

20 North Ora said...

What an undertaking and what a success you have made it!! Am so proud of you and your project! Wish I lived closer.

Judy

Createology said...

I remember your very first year and I just knew you would create the most successful venue ever! Now here you are working on year three and with great anticipation for the very best event yet! Vintage circus theme is fabulous. Bless you dear...

Betsy@My Salvaged Treasures said...

I love the theme you chose this year! It's going to be another successful show for you, the vendors, and the shoppers!

Sherry @ No Minimalist Here said...

Carol, I can't wait for the show and I know it will be fabulous.
Hugs,
Sherry

Our Hopeful Home said...

Great artwork and marketing! This year will be a huge success, I'm sure. And once again I'm SO sorry I live in the Midwest! Any chance you'll take this thing on the road? lol xoKathleen Charm Bracelet Diva {At Home}

GARAGE SALE GAL said...

Hooray for you and your awesome flea markets! One of these times I will come to your show! All the best while making all these preparations!
warmly,
deb

Kathy said...

"3rd Annual", what an accomplishment!! You should be very proud, Carol. Bravo to you!

Celestina Marie said...

Hi Carol, it's that time again and I can only imagine all the preparations going on. It will be amazing once again. Congrats to you in this huge accomplishment. Have fun. Love your sweet photo!! xo

Curtains in My Tree said...

You have made a lot of people happy i'm sure,giving them a place to shop for all vintage treasures and new treasures
I would love to attend

MONSIEUR LE CHAT ET MOI said...

Hi Carol ! Oh I would love so much to be with you as a French vendor !!! sure it would be so fun to share my French antiques and to see what is liked in the States !!! I have so many things to declutter !!! You are so gifted that I'm sure it will be a so great success ! Xoxo from PARIS my dear Carol

Patricia @ 9th and Denver said...

It has been so fun watching your dreams come alive...!
I know how hard you worked that first year from following along here. I think it's important to listen to your customers...and expand. But to know when enough is enough. I hope this year, is the best year yet!
and I only wish I lived a tad closer...
I'll be watching from Texas as this Polka Dot Flea unveils under the big top.. this year.
Best wishes to you and all your staff and vendors!

Boopnut said...

If I was ever in the area, I would love to go to the Flea! Congratulations on your good forsight!
Deb

handmade by amalia said...

I'm so impressed with you for taking on this massive production, Carol. I wish I could visit! The poster looks gorgeous.
Amalia
xo

Marlynne said...

So Happy for you and the success your show is having!

Connie said...

Hello Sweet Carol, Your third year, Congratulations!!! We live about as far across the country as you can get . . . oh, how I wish it were closer, so that I could be one of those people in line. I'm very excited for you and all the vendors. Don't over do it . . . delegate . . . and enjoy. Who designs your posters?

entirely apropos said...

Wow! 3rd year !!! Congratulations, Carol! You are an inspiration!
I'm so happy for your success! May you have many many many more years of fulfillment and "happy-happy" doing what you love to do. Your vision brings such joy to so many!

I'll be thinking of you as you move forward into this 3rd year!
All the best. Julie

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