02/15/2026
Allow me to ramble for a moment.
Are you a glass half full or a glass half empty person? It’s easy to feel half empty when looking at the smaller of the two buildings, one that was full of makers during the last few February Youngstown Fleas, sitting temporarily quiet. It’s natural to feel that way when thinking about friends who once shared their talents but decided not to return for whatever reason (you’re missed, by the way), or when remembering how the economy is still making it tough to earn a living offering non-essentials.
But there are plenty of signs the glass might just be half full. Yesterday, whippedbyaubrey worried she brought far too many macarons and ended up selling out just over halfway through the market. Another friend told me she did much better than last February. And gingerly_sudsnsuch had her best selling day ever! Side note: keep an eye out for Gingerly’s awesome new setup at the next Flea, a retired school bus. They need it too, as the whole family comes out to help!
Then there are the volunteers, the ultimate glass half full people, giving their time and energy because they believe in the Flea community and in creating a place where Youngstown can celebrate locally crafted goods. And of course the visitors, the people searching for unique, high-quality items, who help fill the glass to the brim. Without you, none of this happens.
So yes, things can be a struggle at the Flea, just like in so many places we care about. But there is plenty to be hopeful about and plenty of reasons to keep going. Where some might see a glass half empty (and I have my days too), I’m choosing to see a glass with plenty of potential and room to grow. Just like Youngstown, and just like the whole of the Mahoning Valley.
Whether you sold or shopped, thank you to everyone who came out yesterday. You filled the glass a little more.
P.S. If you’re a maker and you’ve never given the youngstownflea a chance, now is a perfect time to apply! Go to youngstownflea.com and help us fill the glass!
