PINE PLAINS — Willow Roots in Pine Plains has sprouted another branch on the family tree as the organization has joined with the town’s First United Presbyterian Church to relocate and expand the flea market originally run by the town.
According to Lisa Zayas, co-founder of Willow Roots, starting on Saturday, April 13, the market will now be located at the church at 3039 Church Street, and will be open every weekend through September from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. rather than every other weekend which had been the case.
She believes the consistency will encourage more customers who otherwise might not make a visit part of their regular schedule.
Following that same idea, she says the 30 to 35 outdoor and eight indoor vendor spots will be located in the same locations each week which will allow someone who might want to make a single purchase to quickly find what is needed while still encouraging others to enjoy browsing the offerings.
Vendors, who may rent a spot for a $10 fee which will be divided between the church and Willow Roots, will be allowed to pick their spots. Zayas says they may locate next to friends - old and new - with whom they will therefore be able to spend a pleasant Saturday, “whether they sell something or not.”
The plan is designed to encourage the sense of “family” which is at the base of the grassroots food pantry which began on the Zayas’s front porch in June, 2019 and has since evolved into several other programs serving the community.
She said most of the vendors are local, with some being what she terms, “Attic People,” who have beautiful items family members no longer want but which will be treasured by others. There are also small business people and talented crafters with a variety of items as well as gently used clothing and other items. Food, including free coffee for vendors, will also be available as will indoor bathroom facilities.
Following up further on the “family” idea, she says the vendors will be responsible for the success of the new venture as they help one another and take on responsibility for the project including weekly set-up and cleaning of the used church facilities.
Lisa Marie Agnelli, Stacy McGill and Christina Brody are in charge of the program which still has spots for more vendors. For further information, contact willowrootsvendors@gmail.com.
Meg Sher, executive director of the David M. Hunt Library in Falls Village.L. Tomaino 
