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In early March, The Selma Flea and Farmers Market received a substantial amount of damage from an unexpected windstorm that took place overnight Mar. 4.

The severe windstorm hit the market’s D-wing the worst, located right beside the market’s second gate headed towards River Road.  Other areas that received significant damage, involved the roof near the A-wing section, where the tin was crumbled up as well.

Cleanup has started for the market and the D-wing area was officially demolished, leaving the area with piles of debris and eventually, a new spot to rebuild.

Ryan Wilson, who is a partner of The Selma Flea and Farmers Market said once the damage occurred, business was severely affected for some time because the building was the primary place vendors would sell out of.

“They have all their stuff in the shed as well,” Wilson said. “So, business did stop for about a week or two and we have kind of made do with what we’ve been able to for right now, but we’re hoping to have everything rebuilt within the next month.”

Arriving on the scene of the Flea market Saturday, vendors did just what Wilson said. There were multiple vendors on the lawn of the market’s parking lot making things work and still selling items despite the damage the storm has caused.

Wilson said typically the market has around 100 vendors each weekend setting up and last Saturday, those who heard the word of the flea market being back in operation came out and enjoyed the nice weather and as stated, they continued to sell.

A jewelry and accessories vendor of the market named Erica Acoff told STJ personally that she thought at first, the storm would’ve affected her sales but said it turned out overall to be just fine when the market reopened the week of Jubilee.

“It was a little rough getting set up,” said Acoff. “Finding a table when I didn’t bring mines was difficult but I did bring my tent because I knew I was going to be out, trying to navigate where I was going to set up. I actually had one of the best days ever out here after the storm and I was located on the other end where people come in and during that weekend, people were coming in right before they went to jubilee and stuff so, they were still doing their daily routine, getting up, coming to the market and going by their day.”

Acoff said as a vendor of the market, she encourages people of the community to keep coming out and supporting The Farmers and Flea Market even though they see the destruction and to understand that the owners are working behind the scene to repair the damages.

Acoff said she also wants people within the community to remember that the vendors are still here, trying to provide for their families and bring good things as well to the community.