Northside Fleamarket officially re-opens
Last week’s grand re-opening of the Northside Fleamarket, at the site of the old North Fort Myers Drive-in movie theater, brought a lot of memories for many, and nostalgia was the theme.
“My dad was the projectionist here in the 1960s,” said North Fort Myers resident Charlie Dixon, of his father Earl Dixon. “I grew up here, saw a lot of movies and had a lot of fun.”
A drive-in movie experience is now being offered there for fund raisers.
“The flea market has been there since 1958,” said Cheryl Bourque, manager. “We had this event to celebrate that and announce that we will be offering the drive-in as a venue for charity events.
“Local schools, nonprofit organizations booster clubs and charity organizations can call ad get details of how to rent the movie screen for a night. It will minimally run $250 for a film rental, and other services, such as getting a booth attendant and clean-up, are available. They will be a la carte,” she said. “We are currently talking to two local high schools already about having fund raisers here.
“A representative of a national organization that promotes drive-ins actually stopped by,” she said. “That was exciting. We will be talking to him in the future.”
Numerous vendors, both steady and new, were part of the event. Right now, the popular flea market is open Wednesdays from 5 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“Yes, people do get here at 5 a.m.,” Bourque said. “We will also be open Saturdays from December through April 7 a.m. to noon. New vendors are always welcome.”
Inaugural Classic
Car Show
A highlight of the event was a classic car show, which officials hope will be one of many.
“This is our first annual car show and for the first time our cafe was renovated to a Rock-n-Roll Diner,” said Virgil Kane, a staff member, of the show and cafe themes. “We even have an animated bust of Elvis who talks to you – in Elvis’ real voice.”
He said, as a musician himself, that the fact that it is really Elvis’s recorded voice that makes it more fun
Rudy Nelson of Cape Coral brought his 1954 Corvette to the event’s car show.
“It attracts a lot of attention, and I love attention. I’ve had the Corvette eight years and completely restored it.”
First place in the car show was a 1977 Pontiac Bonneville from owner Arnold Undzis. Second place was a 1950 Chevy pickup, with friend Paul Wike accepting for owner Randy Lowe. Third place was Damon Jones with his 1951 Ford.
For fund raising and vendor information, call 849-1916 or go to northsidefleamarket.com.
The market is at 2521 N. Tamiami Trail.