Re-Post:
OG spring flee market: 2016 Blogfinger photo. They all look alike. Ocean Pathway in lock down.
Sweet and salty at the 2024 OG Flea fun. Paul Goldfinger photo. 6/1/24 Blogfinger.net
Paul Goldfinger photo 6/1/24. Topsy Turvy.
By Paul Goldfinger, Editor, Blogfinger.ner
Is the Giant Flee Market an essential event in our town? Or is it just an excuse for thousands of out-of-towners to hang out by the ocean and buy stuff from out-of-town merchants and to benefit the Camp Meeting Association and the Chamber of Commercials and Cacophony?
If it is essential, then how many of our neighboring shore towns have such a massive event? The answer is none, and we are among the smallest seashore towns.
But how can we oppose the idea when it makes so many people happy? But how about the happiness of the locals?
Since when are the tax-paying citizens of Ocean Grove obligated to pay host to thousands of people who come here, cause us to leave our cars parked, and miss the chance to enjoy our seashore town on a beautiful, quiet, family oriented June Saturday? Would Stokes and Osborne approve? Their mega events were all about religion, and. usually on the beach where thousands congregated having arrived without cars.
Last year we addressed this issue, so instead of focusing on it again, here is a link, but excuse us if we get a bit repetitive; the issue has been repetitive for many years.
And we are not entirely negative, but our tiny town should have joyous and happy small-town events for the benefit of We-The People.
We can have a giant flea market, but only one mega-event each year. The rest should be “down home” small scale happenings like the Town Wide Yard Sale and Art-on-the-Porch, both of which are held in June each year, and both leave our town open for the locals and with plenty of parking.
Blogfinger has been specific about our vision over and over.
2023 Blogfinger post about giant flea markets
Of course I do appreciate the photo ops. Paul Goldfinger by the coffee shop truck. Click to enlarge.
Jewelry are the most purchased items at flea markets. This merchant makes ear decorations. 6/1/24. If you need a stud, see Olivia Mae. Blogfinger.net
And finally: “Much Ado About Nothing:” The organizers of big events in the Grove aren’t fooling anyone. They are about money for themselves. Yes, that’s what it’s all about–Alfie!
From the movie Alfie: