Bi-annual event takes the place of garage sales

The Woodlands covenants have long prohibited garage sales, but the bi-annual flea markets organized by the community's village associations have evolved over the last three decades into a destination for residents hoping to buy and sell used goods.

Woodlands residents looking to clear out their attics and garages will get their chance March 23 for the community's Spring Flea Market at the Town Center Parking Garage. Larry Faith, the event's coordinator, said the flea markets—held in the spring and fall—were initially created as a project by the Panther Creek Village Association in 1984 to provide residents an outlet to sell their used goods. The Grogan's Mill Village Association soon joined in, and the other villages followed suit over the years.

The event requires about 60-70 volunteers from the village associations, Faith said, and proceeds from the booth sales go to the village associations. The organizations use the money for scholarships and other charitable causes.

The flea markets also benefit the Salvation Army, which brings a semi trailer truck to the event and fills it with any unwanted items they can use, Faith said.

"We contribute a lot of goods to that program," Faith said.

Faith, who has organized the event since 2002, said the flea markets attract about 250 sellers—about 90 percent from The Woodlands—as well as thousands of customers from as far as Beaumont. While most booths sell traditional yard sale fare, such as clothing, furniture and various knick knacks, Faith said, some commercial vendors buy booths and he has seen some odd items sold over the years, including a resident's car.

"It's evolved over the years into one of the best flea markets in the county or region," said Bruce Tough, chairman of The Woodlands Township Board of Directors. "It's become the place to find any little treasure you're looking for."

Tough said he has participated with the village associations in running the event over the last 15 years and believes it has become a social gathering for people across the community. While he said he admits the prohibition of yard sales has been controversial in the past, the flea markets provide residents an opportunity to sell their own goods without garage sale signs and yard sales cluttering the community.

"It just detracts from the community itself," Tough said of yard sales. "It's just something we thought when the covenants were founded that we could have it at a central location."

More information

• Time: 7-10 a.m. March 23, check-in begins at 5 a.m.
• Booths: Booth spaces consist of two parking spaces and may be purchased for $50. Two booths may be purchased for $100. Tickets may be purchased at 2801 Technology Forest Blvd.
• Admission: There is no cost to attend the Spring Flea Market.
• A good cause: Funding for the booth spaces goes to the Village Associations, which donate to scholarships and other charities. Vendors with unsold goods may donate them to the Salvation Army, which will have a truck at the event.

Flea market items

• Clothing
• Furniture
• Antiques
• Figurines
• Paintings
• Lawnmowers
• Golf clubs
• Bicycles
• Tools
• Musical instruments
• Sporting equipment
• No firearms allowed