spring cleaning. The University of Puget Sound flea market celebrates its 42nd anniversary this year. Organizers say the annual event has continued to grow in popularity. (Photo by Ross Mulhausen)
Tacoma locals know that spring has not officially sprung until the annual University of Puget (UPS) flea market opens.
This year, the market takes place on March 20, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the UPS Memorial Fieldhouse. Bargain-hunters will find more than 50 booths offering antiques, collectible dolls, books, furniture, clothing, artisan works and more. The event also features the popular “Grandma’s Attic” booth, a silent auction, and coffee, pies and cakes at the cafe.
Proceeds raised at the flea market support scholarships for UPS students. Last year, the flea market raised $24,000, all of which went toward scholarships.
The Women’s League of UPS has hosted the flea market for more than 40 years. A league member sparked the idea, after traveling to Paris and being inspired by the flea markets there.
Grace Mills, chairman of the event and former UPS employee, said in the past the flea market was used to purchase items for the university.
“The money would buy things like a piano for the chapel or furniture for the dorms,” Mills said.
The league hopes to raise about $26,000 at this flea market event, which Mills believes is attainable.
“We never have any trouble getting people to rent space at the market,” Mills said. “It’s lots of fun when people participate because they never know what we are going to have to sell.”
Members of the UPS Women’s League are largely retired alumni, although many mothers of freshmen students choose to join, too. The group’s membership hovers around 200 people from across the country.
“When the mothers’ join, we tell them it’s kind of like their PTA,” Mills added. “There are not many groups like this for the mothers when their children go to college.”
The members from the Women’s League meet every September for an introductory gathering at the home of the university’s president.
Mills said the League has been very fortunate to have such a close and cordial working relationship with the university, especially with regards to the annual flea market event.
“We’re thankful the university allows us to host it every year,” Mills said. “People that know about it are really excited to attend each year because it’s a lot of fun. You never know what you’re going to find. You get great bargains.”
Donations of goods to be sold at the market can be delivered to the Fieldhouse between 9:30 a.m. and 7 p.m., on March 18. The UPS Memorial Fieldhouse is located at the corner of Union Street and North 11th Avenue in Tacoma. Admission to the Spring Flea Market is $2. Tickets can be purchased in advance from league members or at the door. Parking is free. For more information contact Mills at (253) 752-4789 or gracem4206@harbornet.com.
