Some of the items available at the Dania Flea Market: A wheel, ship’s life preservers, heavy duty anchors, old wooden blocks for your schooner, glass, fishing net balls, even starfish.
A great variety of small outboards for your dinghy are available at the flea market.
25 years thinks it has suffered over the last three years, attributing this directly to switching locations. Deborah Bliss, Novel Distributors, Big Pine Key, another long-time exhibitor, generally happy with this year’s show, agreed it was better in Dania. Gary Rogers who buys and sells used marine stuff of all sorts said, nostalgically, “We all love this show and want it to continue. I’ve had the same space for 10 years. I know my neighbor’s kids and have watched them grow up. But
News & Views for Southern Sailors
show management has to do more than just wishing that with some magic the show will get better.” “Could be the weather, could be the economy. We’ll get a decent return on our investment, but this year’s show does seem slow,” said an electronics distributor. Another exhibitor told us he prefers Dolphin Stadium but laments that more buyers don’t know about it or are hesitant to drive to Miami. While General Manager Jennifer Dudas knows many vendors are satisfied with the new venue even she admits, “Change is hard. Our goal now is to get the word out so people realize that while the show is in Miami, it’s really not in Miami. It’s so easy to get here, get in and get out. People don’t realize just how easy it is.” Dudas makes a good point. Dolphin Stadium is less than two miles south of the Broward line and actually has its own exit off the Florida Turnpike. The stadium looms large in front of you as you exit leaving literally no chance of mistaking where to go. Facilities, incidentally, are clean and convenient for those who want to bring the whole family, and parking is definitely better. “Every time it rained in Dania,” said Dudas, “the parking lot flooded. Attendance may have been off Thursday due to the weather, but otherwise it is on par with last year’s show. Perko is here. Dusky and Raritan are here and West Marine always does our show. Boat Owners Warehouse and Jerry’s Marine are some of the other larger ones. “The show is usually held at the end of March. With Easter early, the Marlins starting early and the Palm Beach Boat Show, we had no choice but early March.” Next year’s dates have not been announced. For show information, go to www.daniamarinefleamarket.com, or call (800) 275-2260.
SOUTHWINDS April 2008
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