345 SE 5th, Madras, OR 97741 | 541.475.2275
Madras Event Center opens
Flea market inside, vendors needed
Melissa Melting Tallow and Eric Newsom of Madras are running the new venture at the former Madras Builders building and grounds.
Up to 190 vendors can be accommodated at the Madras Flea Market, which opened up July 16, in the new Madras Event Center.
Business owner Eric Newsom and business partner Melissa Melting Tallow of Madras, have leased the former Madras Builders building at 180 N.W. B St., and are in the process of setting up the event center.
"We're planning to fill the whole place up," said Newsom, noting the facility was about 17,000 square feet in size.
In addition, there is a 10,000 square-foot warehouse building in back of the main store, which could be rented out to a business, like a tire shop, or used for concerts or other activities.
"We started out with a flea market while we're working with the city on getting an event permit," Melting Tallow said, noting they have been told they would need sidewalks and paved parking to hold events.
Businesses are struggling economically now, and the Madras Flea Market is a central place where vendors can get started in a less expensive way, and build up their business until they can open a shop of their own if desired.
"We're giving people opportunities," Melting Tallow said.
Vendors pay $10 per day, per table, and the flea market is free to customers.
The Madras Flea Market is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. For more information, call 541-604-4106.
Last weekend, vendors were selling fresh cherries from The Dalles, watermelon and other produce, kitchen supplies, dolls, baby clothing, used clothing, jewelry, shoes, and a variety of curios.
In the future, Melting Tallow would like to see an event center where quince¤aras and graduation parties could be held, and Mexican and rock bands could perform. The lot has ample parking in the back.
The couple have also been working locally with Candy Johnston to make plans for youth events at the center.
"I'd like to do a `cause' event for domestic violence prevention or to help kids," Melting Tallow said.
Shoppers are invited to come by and check out the variety of items for sale as the number of flea market vendors grows in the coming weeks.