The annual community flea market and fundraiser for Mount Vernon Community School. Every year the MVCS PTA collects donations of furniture, housewares, baby gear, toys, games, electronics, hardware, tools, small appliances, jewelry, and antiques and collectibles and sells them to raise money to support the students and the school. Proceeds are used for things such as field trips, enrichment activities, dance integration, special events, computers, musical instruments and art and classroom supplies.
Here are the details:
Mount Vernon Recreation Center, 2701 Commonwealth Ave. Alexandria, VA 22305.
7-8 a.m.: Looking for something specific or particularly sought after? Get an early start with early bird admission ($10 entrance fee) at 7 a.m.
8 a.m. - 11:15: General admission (no entrance fee)
11:30: Re-entry (no fee) and all items are half price.
1pm: Pay $5 to re-enter, all items are free.
This year also look for the raffle of the mystery gift! At an early donation drop back in December, someone donated a (visibly dusty) gift wrapped package. Flea volunteers have no idea what it contains and decided that it would be fun to raffle off the opportunity to solve the mystery! Curious? Buy a raffle ticket and you might be the lucky winner!
Some top MV Big Flea tips:
*Getting there early pays off, particularly if you are looking for something specific or want something that you have seen featured on the Flea Facebook page.
* You can ask for help. Signage inside the gym indicates the location of the various sections, but there are also Flea volunteers in blue Flea shirts stationed around the floor to help direct you and answer questions.
* Bring bags. Flea volunteers will give you a shopping bag as you enter (until supplies run out), but the likelihood is high that you will need more than one.
*Buying furniture? Flea volunteers (in blue Flea shirts) in the furniture section will help stick a "sold" label on your furniture for you and help move it out. And don't forget, the Flea delivers! For a $25 delivery fee, you can arrange delivery of your furniture finds.
* Checking out. Just before the exit, Flea volunteers will tally up your purchases and give you your total. They'll then direct you outside to "Fleadom Plaza" where cashiers will take your payment. Cash and credit cards are accepted.
*Fleadom Plaza. In addition to the cashiers and the delivery coordination table, a host of other things will be happening on Fleadom plaza, including a student council book sale (cash only), MVCS swag sales, and the raffle of the mystery gift. It's a fun and festive atmosphere on the plaza, and it should be a beautiful day!
Remember, you are shopping with a purpose: it's for the kids!