LIC Flea set to be reality TV star

JOHANN HAMILTON

Queens residents watching HGTV’s “Flea Market Flip” might notice a familiar location.

“Flea Market Flip” is a program that visits different flea markets around the country, gives its contestants $500 and then sets them loose to buy, fix and flip items at the market for a higher price. At the end of the program, one team wins the grand total of profits made that day.

On Sunday, July 21, camera crews were at the LIC Flea and International Food Bazaar to film an upcoming episode.

“It’s pretty exciting seeing all the cameras and crew walking around,” said LIC resident Mary Elizabeth, who was at the market during filming. “I’ll have to watch the show now to see if I can find myself in the background.”

“It’s a fun place to be,” said Rebecca Tase of the market, which launched Saturday, June 15. “You meet a lot of interesting people.”

Tony Dillon said this past weekend was his first time at the market and that he enjoyed the booths that appeal to a wide range of people.

The weekend also marked the beginning of complimentary shuttle bus service from Astoria to the LIC Flea. The shuttle departs at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. from 30th Avenue and 31St Street, and runs every Saturday and Sunday.

“It’s great that Queens has markets like this, and the location is fantastic,” said Indra Patel. “I live pretty close to here, so I’ve been here every weekend since it started. I love how many different food shops there are. It’s almost like every day is a totally different market.”

Vendor and owner of the Burger Garage, Tom, said he is glad to be a part of LIC Flea, especially now that they have been voted the number one burger in the borough.

“I enjoy my weekends here,” said Karen Overton, another vendor and owner of Recycle a Bicycle. “It’s worth it to be here.”

LIC Flea runs every Saturday and Sunday during the summer from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and is located in the parking lot at the corner of 46th Avenue and 5th Street.

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