Candlestick Park Flea Market - out of the bull pen

I've been shopping at the Alemany flea market in San Francisco, since it opened. The years fly by and I no longer remember when it opened. It took a while to mature. Overall it was fertile grounds for my collecting pursuits until recent years. Back in the day, I rarely missed a Sunday. Now, I often opt to sleep in because I don't find much there anymore. Between the opening of the Alameda Point flea market and the downturn in the economy, Alemany seems to have been teetering on the brink. On recent visits there were lots of empty spaces. Many of the dealers were selling used household items, rather than antiques and collectibles.

I started to wonder why San Francisco didn't have a decent flea market. I'm sure that part of the problem is real estate. This is a compact, expensive city. After the popular Marin flea market closed one opened in a school parking lot on Chestnut Street. It wasn't large enough to accommodate the high traffic. I believe that it generated a lot of complaints from the residents in the area. Then one opened in one of the piers along the Embarcadero. I loved that one. It was large and was held rain or shine because it was indoors. For some reason, sadly, it didn't last long. There was also a short lived one on Yerba Buena or Treasure Island.

A few weeks ago, when I was at Alemany and saw a man carrying a newspaper clipping with the headline, Antiques come to Candlestick. I didn't have a chance to ask him what the article was about. Later that day I did a Google search and found a website for the new Candlestick Park flea market that opened this past Sunday. I was excited about the prospect of a new market. I had to work that day, so I got there a little late.

I took surface roads instead of the freeway. It was a straight shot down 3rd Street, and a left on Gilman. I had never been to "The 'Stick" before and was pleasantly surprised at the setting. I know it has a reputation for being cold and foggy. The picturesque San Bruno Mountains in the distance held the fog at bay that morning. It was a bit windy at times. Parking, which was free, was easy in the vast lot that had attendants present to direct arrivals. I paid my five dollars to get in and started browsing.

There weren't as many dealers as there are at Alameda...yet, but lots more than at Alemany. I primarily look for vintage photographs these days. I scored some great ones for fifty cents to one dollar each. I paid seven dollars for an amazing tin type. I'll include the photos in one of my upcoming galleries. I also collect tin, made in Japan San Francisco toy cable cars from the 50's, 60's and 70's. I found the largest one I've ever seen, in mint condition. This one has a friction mechanism, rings a bell and has great graphics. I paid fifteen dollars for that. I got out some of the others I collected and noticed that the graphics on one included a man reading a Herb Caen article. You can see part of my collection here. I resisted buying other great items due to space constraints. There were some high end items for sale. But, overall the prices seemed pretty good. The flea market has a rule that items for sale must be at least 20 years old which keeps the focus on antiques and collectibles . The majority of dealers seemed to have abided by that rule. I saw lots of great, old stuff.

There were also some good food vendors. My main criticism was the layout. There were dealers clustered together, then a large empty area with dealers on the other side of that. It wasn't a big deal, and I'm sure that they'll work that out. Later that evening I read the online comments posted to the Chronicle story. I was a bit taken aback by the amount of negativity. One of the issues mentioned is the price of admission. I know that these are tough times. But, per the article, the promoter took a big chance to the tune of $125,000. Someone has to pay the rent. A movie costs almost fifteen dollars these days. Late cover is only five dollars and starts at 8:00 a.m., compared to 9:00 a.m., at Alameda.

Another concern was security. There were attendants at the entrance to the parking lot at all times. There was also mention of the remoteness of the location. It's easy access from the freeway, and not a bad drive on city streets. It is unfortunate that there's no easy public transportation access. Maybe they'll have a shuttle if the market takes off. There was also mention of controversy between former business partners. I don't know about any of that. The objective of my blog is to be a resource for collectors and not get into the behind the scenes politics.

Alameda Point is held on the first Sunday of the month. Candlestick Park will be held on the third Sunday of the month, except during football season. They have the schedule posted on their website. Alemany will be held as usual every Sunday. As a long time supporter of the latter, I hope it survives. I think there's enough interest in antiques and collectibles to support all three and I wish them all success.

Posted By: Bob Bragman (Email) | July 23 2010 at 09:41 AM

Alameda Flea Market survival guide

This Sunday, October 4, 2009, is the monthly Alameda Point Flea Market. Here is a list that may

Alameda Flea Market's website, click here

The next Alameda Flea Market is this Sunday, October 4. Here is a practical list for a fun experience. Print this out as a handy check list.

___1. Money: Bring cash, a check book and a pen. There is an ATM there, but the line can be long so plan ahead and skip the line. And, don't forget that most dealers don't accept credit cards so always bring a check book just in case you find an expensive purchase.

___ 2. Warm layers of clothing.

It's an open area and can be cool and windy. It can also be quite warm. Some people bring a sunbrella/parasol.

___ 3. Sun block

___ 4. A backpack or easily carried bag. You'll want something to carry your layers as you peel them off and a bag for your purchases. Canvas bags fold up easily and are quite convenient.

If you're really ambitious consider a cart or wagon.

___ 5. Water, snacks

These can be purchased at the flea market. But, the lines can be long at the concession stands.

___ 6. Cell phone, fully charged, if you're not going alone.

Although reception is spotty there, you will find lots of places where there is service. It's a BIG flea market and a cell phone is good to have if you go your separate ways. Have a back up plan for failed communication, i.e. meet at the entrance at 12:00pm.

___ 7. Comfortable shoes

___ 8. Glasses, magnifier, loupe

___ 9. Medication

___ 10. Road map, directions, GPS

___ 11. Fastrak, toll money

___ 12. Gas in the tank

___ 13. Roadside service card

___ 14. Watch

___ 15. Sunglasses or visor

___ 16. A good attitude.

Treasure hunting should be fun. You're in a setting with great views of the city, lots of interesting stuff to look at, and you're getting exercise.

If you're bringing the kids along:

___ 1. Baby bottles and snacks

___ 2. Diapers

___ 3. Stroller, wagon, etc.

Pets aren't allowed (insert frownie face here).

Admission is $10 before 9:00a.m., $5 after. I have had mixed results with going early, and $15 between 6:00a.m and 7:30a.m. If you exit, be sure to get stamped if you need to go back in.

Posted By: Bob Bragman (Email) | October 02 2009 at 08:30 AM

The Alameda Flea Market Survival Kit

Alameda Flea Market's website, click here

The next Alameda Flea Market is this Sunday, September 6 and it has some special complications since the Bay Bridge is closed. That means San Franciscans should think about BART and the Ferry. Here's a link for alternative transportation information from a Chronicle article.

Print this out as a handy check list and your shopping experience should be trouble free.

___1. Money: Bring cash, a check book and a pen. There is an ATM there, but the line can be long so plan ahead and skip the line. And, don't forget that most dealers don't accept credit cards so always bring a check book just in case you find an expensive purchase.

___ 2. Warm layers of clothing.

It's an open area and can be cool and windy. It can also be quite warm. Some people bring a sunbrella/parasol.

___ 3. Sun block

___ 4. A backpack or easily carried bag. You'll want something to carry your layers as you peel them off and a bag for your purchases. Canvas bags fold up easily and are quite convenient.

If you're really ambitious consider a cart or wagon.

___ 5. Water, snacks

These can be purchased at the flea market. But, the lines can be long at the concession stands.

___ 6. Cell phone, fully charged, if you're not going alone.

Although reception is spotty there, you will find lots of places where there is service. It's a BIG flea market and a cell phone is good to have if you go your separate ways. Have a back up plan for failed communication, i.e. meet at the entrance at 12:00pm.

___ 7. Comfortable shoes

___ 8. Glasses, magnifier, loupe

___ 9. Medication

___ 10. Road map, directions, GPS

___ 11. Fastrak, toll money

___ 12. Gas in the tank

___ 13. Roadside service card

___ 14. Watch

___ 15. Sunglasses or visor

___ 16. A good attitude.

Treasure hunting should be fun. You're in a setting with great views of the city, lots of interesting stuff to look at, and you're getting exercise.

If you're bringing the kids along:

___ 1. Baby bottles and snacks

___ 2. Diapers

___ 3. Stroller, wagon, etc.

Pets aren't allowed (insert frownie face here).

Admission is $10 before 9:00a.m., $5 after. I have had mixed results with going early, and $15 between 6:00a.m and 7:30a.m. If you exit, be sure to get stamped if you need to go back in.

Posted By: Bob Bragman (Email) | September 04 2009 at 08:10 AM