By Clyde Noel

Last week, the Foothill College Flea Market closed permanently. The outdoor market held in parking lot F one Saturday a month displayed new and used merchandise, collectibles, jewelry and garage sale items. The merchandise was displayed by vendors paying $18 for table space.

“The flea market closed because it wasn’t making any profit,” said Rose Salido, fine arts division assistant. “The market was a fund-raiser for the drama department Duncan Graham, dean of the fine arts department, made the decision to close it down.”

The flea market office, located in room 4220, on the west side of Foothill campus is also closed.

Many flea market browsers will morn its passing because it has been

a fixture on the campus for years. Those who were never fans of the Saturday morning wheel-and-deal atmosphere under the oak trees will be less sentimental about its closing.

In contrast, the De Anza Flea Market in Cupertino is flourishing. The market started as a small effort by students to raise money for the student body over 30 years ago; and has grown into an established community event, attracting vendors and patrons from the entire Bay Area.

The De Anza Flea Market is a student enterprise for the De Anza Associated Student body paying for its expenses and netting approximately $300,000 annually for a variety of programs, services and events at De Anza College. It maintains about 925 vendor stalls and usually sells out quickly.

The De Anza Flea Market is held the first Saturday of every month on campus parking lots B and C from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The market is free for shoppers, but parking on campus is $5.00 per vehicle.