MANSFIELD—After a hiatus due to the pandemic, the Mansfield Flea Market and Antiques is back in action and is under new management that includes a Bucyrus native.
Josh Kaple is now running the show, along with Steve Beckett, after securing the rights to operate it after the former managers had made the decision to stop operating the flea market altogether.
The event is held on the last weekend every month, from February through November.
“The next show is June 26 and showtimes are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays,” said Kaple.
The flea market began 49 years ago and has always been hosted at the Richland County Fairgrounds which is located at 750 N. Home Road in Mansfield.
“The first show was June of 1972 and it is the longest-running flea market in the state,” said Kaple.
Kaple, who grew up in Bucyrus, spent his childhood in the Crawford County and North Central Ohio areas. His love for flea markets and as a collector began with baseball cards when he was a child and went to flea markets with family members.
“I have been attending flea markets since I was young and have set up for close to 20 years,” said Kaple. “This flea market was one of the original ones I would go to with my parents so I could not pass up the opportunity when it presented itself.”
There are 200 spots available for vendors inside the Fairhaven Hall building located on the grounds of the Richland County Fairgrounds.
To rent a 10 foot by 10-foot space, the cost is $45 for indoor spots and $25 for a space outdoors if weather permits. An eight-foot-long table can be rented by vendors for $5 per weekend.
Vendors can call or text Josh Kaple at 614-309-1148 or Steve Beckett at 614-282-4938.
Admission for visitors to the event is $1 per person with children 10 and younger, along with military veterans, admitted free of charge. Food vendors are also welcome for a fee and visitors will have options on food and drinks to purchase while visiting the event.
For more information, visit the Mansfield Flea Market and Antiques Facebook page, send an email or call (614) 282-4938.
“Follow us by liking our Facebook page, Mansfield Flea Market & Antiques, or on Instagram @mansfieldfleamarket,” said Kaple.