Before and Crafter Flea Market is Saturday

Managing Editor/Publisher

This weekend the second annual B&C Flea Market will be affording the opportunity for those attending to find those treasures they never knew they wanted.

Organizers Caitlin Alexander, Daniel Alexander, Craig Hampton and Pam Hampton, have been friends for a long time. There are all "home grown" Ulysses natives who attended school together and now enjoy their hobbies together as well.

"Pam and Craig used to craft and the refinish furniture and sell antiques at various markets," said Caitlin. "We (Caitlin and her husband, Daniel) joined in and ultimately decided this was something we enjoyed doing together."

Caitlin said her husband, Daniel, makes metal art and she makes rice necklaces that have writing on them. The duo also repurposes furniture.

"Pam and Craig repurpose furniture and then they also do some crafting," Caitlin said. "Craig is really big in to antiques. We have all found our niche and decided we needed a bigger outlet for all of our own personal things."

The foursome came up with Before & Crafter for their business name, but have since shortened it to simply B&C.

"We shortened it to B&C, because we thought it was a little bit more manageable," Caitlin said.

The four put their heads together and decided to organize a venue to not only sell their own items, but create another activity for the community.

"It has taken a lot of brainstorming," Caitlin said. "Last year went way better than we were even hoping for. We had 27 vendors last year. It was rocky getting started because there are so many things you don't think about. We had a lot of hurdles to to jump."

Caitlin said this year has definitely gone smoother.

"Everything has been a whole lot less stressful this time around," she said. "It is a lot of work and there is a lot of scheduling and making sure everything is on track. Unfortunately, people who enjoy crafting aren't always known for their attention to detail when it comes to scheduling things. Luckily Pam is good at keeping us straight and in line."

Caitlin says those who come out to the flea market will find a lot to see.

"They will find unique crafters, painters, people who make their own tumblers, dog dishes, as well as some more upscale items like Pink Zebra and other franchised booths," she said. "Then of course we will also have those who have a bunch of stuff in their garages they need to get out. They will be bringing more of the garage sale type items - your typical flea market fair in which you can find all manner of treasures. I have found some of my best items as far as refinishing and crafting from other people's junk and cast offs."

Caitlin said there is still room for more vendors - even last minute.

"We are willing to take last minute vendors," she said. "They need to come prepared. They won't get first dibs on location to set up - it's a first come, first serve basis."

Caitlin said booths are $35 each for a 10 x 10, which has one table. Those who want or need more tables for their booth can get them for an extra $5 each.

"It is all indoors which is nice this time of year to have," she said.

The four friends would like to see this event continue.

"We would love to see this go for the next 25 years," Caitlin said. "We have another date we are starting for a spring flea market next year. This event will bring some money back to the Ulysses area and  it is another community event. People can come meet at the flea market, enjoy food, shop.... We have heard a lot from people in Garden City and some of the surrounding areas who want to come. Some are coming from Texas just to peruse our flea market. It's mostly about making an event where people can come in and enjoy themselves - a low cost adventure. Maybe you see something that strikes you and maybe you won't see anything, but we feel you will enjoy coming. We enjoy our area and intend to live here the rest of our lives. We wanted to make something impactful for Ulysses."

Caitlin said they invite everyone to come have a good afternoon, enjoy homemade douts and fresh lemonade.

"The Cub Scouts will be there with a concession stand to raise money too," she said.