Wasco Trade vendor at the September 25 Flea Market.
By DANA HERNANDEZ
Sho-Ban News
FORT HALL — The Adult Protection Services hosted a Flea Market and Canned Food Drive at the parking lot of the Old Casino on Friday, September 25.
Vendors had to donate canned goods to get a vendor space.
Wasco Trade, is a family owned Native clothing business from Warm Springs, Oregon. The vendor said it was the first time they had to pay a vendor space with canned goods and thought it was a good idea because it was an investment. It was their second time visiting Fort Hall and said they were a vendor at last year’s festival.
Even though Friday’s weather was windy, Wasco Trade representatives said they still enjoyed the flea market and got to meet people. The flea market gave them an opportunity to get their Native wear and accessories out for people to see, and since the pandemic, business has slowed down a lot for them. They now have to rely on the internet to find places where they can be a vendor, and also to sell online.
Local vendor, Indigenous Supplies is also a family ran business and the owner Leah Tindore, said her children also have their own business as well. During the flea market the children were selling their stuff along with helping her run Indigenous Supplies. Tindore said it was their first time setting up and selling since the pandemic started and that it was nice to see other vendors and socializing with one another.
Germaine Yazzie, Adult Protection Services staff member said 21 vendors showed out of 27 reserved vendor booths. Over 200 canned food items were donated that the program turned over to the 477 Consumer Services food pantry. During the flea market Adult Protections staff assured all who attended adhered to wearing masks and social distancing requirements. They also took temperatures.
She said future plans for another flea market are underway.