Crafty Flea Market to benefit park, NIE
IRON MOUNTAIN – The Lake Antoine Park Partners and The Daily News’ Newspapers in Education program will come together this September for the first-ever Crafty Flea Market at Lake Antoine, offering antiques, crafts and bargains to benefit both non-profits.
When flea and craft markets were mentioned as fundraisers, LAPP board member Doni-Mae Rauch turned to a former co-worker, now Daily News’ NIE program director Jennifer Flynn, who Rauch assisted with the newspaper’s ice fishing derbies on Lake Antoine 20 years ago.
“I loved working with Jennifer in those days,” Rauch said. “She truly cares about her community and her hours and hours of volunteer work show it.”
Set for Sept. 8, the Saturday after Labor Day, the flea market will benefit both of the 501(c)(3) charitable organizations, who will split vendor and admission fees. But any overnight camping fees by vendors, before or after the event, will belong to the Lake Antoine campground, Rauch said.
“Dickinson County is very excited and truly thankful for the opportunity to work with The Daily News on our first joint endeavor,” said Brian Bousley, Dickinson County controller/administrator. “We hope this will be the first of many shared partnerships promoting Newspapers In Education. We are very appreciative of the hard work of The Daily News and the Lake Antoine Park Partners to share in the lead to make this event a reality.”
The Lake Antoine Park Partners has two goals for the funds raised — to create long-term community support for the county park and to improve park facility and infrastructure.
“The collaboration between LAPP and NIE, in particular with the Crafty Flea Market, will enable us to accomplish our goals,” Rauch said.
NIE is a joint effort between newspapers and schools to promote the use of the newspapers as an educational resource in the classroom.
NIE program director Flynn will handle all vendor registrations. She can be reached at The Daily News at 906-774-2772, ext.18, or 1-800-743-2088 for information.
Eli Ward and Cindy Abraham of Northern RV in Quinnesec have arranged for a campground map and park rules inserted in the vendor brochure. Nicole Lutz of CJ Graphics donated the printed maps, which along with the brochures will be available at Northern RV and online at www.ironmountaindailynews.com.
“The excitement for this Crafty Flea Market is already growing,” Ward said.
The Crafty Flea Market will open at 9 a.m. Sept. 8. Admission will be $2 for ages 11 and older.
The Lake Antoine Park Partners meet at 6:30 p.m. on the first Wednesday of the month in the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Department conference room, on the lower level at 300 E. D St. in Iron Mountain. The meetings are open to the public and community input is sought.
“It is our collective desire to make Lake Antoine Park one of the premier hubs for our community,” said Jennifer Johnson, LAPP volunteer leader.
Theresa Proudfit can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 45, or tproudfit@ironmountaindailynews.com.