Come this spring, two new flea market destinations will emerge in Holmes County -- the Holmes County Flea Market and the Walnut Creek Amish Flea Market.
The Holmes County Flea Market, formerly located near Walnut Creek and known as the Holmes County Amish Flea Market, will be located in a new 52,000-square-foot facility at 4550 state Route 39, Millersburg.

This facility promises to be better than its predecessor, according to marketing director Mark Fowler.

Alan Zinck and Jim Gause purchased the business from Ben Mast, who operated the flea market at the property, which recently became the Holmes County Expo Center.

"It's one of those things ... it's just me," Zinck said of his decision to enter into the venture, noting he likes the idea of a new business challenge.
"I am limited more by money and my time, than ideas. Right now, even in these economic times, if someone asked me, 'Alan, what business would be good to go into?' I have them by the truckload, but there's only one of me," he said, explaining, "You glean ideas from other areas, give it a slight twist and see if it works."

The Holmes County Flea Market will include vendors dealing in products like crafts, pottery, gifts, toys, candles, clothing, home decor, jewelry, books, furniture and a variety of collectibles.

Local distributors of meats, cheese, bulk foods and baked goods will be located near the front entrance to allow easy access for locals interested in popping in and out for a specific need, Fowler said.

With favorable weather on the horizon, the opportunity for an additional 30 vendors, plus outside dining presents itself, Fowler said, noting hamburgers, hot dogs and chicken sandwiches will be available at the cafeteria.

Parking at the new location will be flat and include 425 spaces.

Similarly, a single-floor design for the flea market will make navigation throughout it easier for wheelchairs, scooters and strollers.

A cozy lounge off the dining area will include a big screen television, and is designed to cater to an older shopper, who may need to take a break during a long outing, or the reluctant husband, seeking relief from shopping.

The flea market is set to open for business starting the first weekend in April. It will remain open, Thursday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., through the end of December.

When the Holmes County Amish Flea Market moved out of Walnut Creek, former flea market vendor Betty Zimmerman said she saw an opportunity to build the Walnut Creek Amish Flea Market, located between Walnut Creek and Sugar Creek on state Route 39.

"The vendors said, 'You build it, we'll come,'"Zimmerman said.
Zimmerman is the owner, and will run the business with the help of her daughter and General Manager, Januery Tango.

"This is definitely a family owned operation," Zimmerman said.
The family worked together for 14 years as flea market vendors, which has given them a deeper understanding for the business, Tango said.
"Being in all the markets we've been in, we know what works and what doesn't," she said.

The Walnut Creek Amish Flea Market will contain about three-fourths of the vendors contained in the former Holmes County Amish Flea Market in Walnut Creek.

The emphasis at the facility is on entertainment and interactions with Amish artisans.

"Our goal is to always have something going on," Zimmerman said. "We're trying to get the Amish community involved. That's something that's been lacking in the past."

Amish quilt and basket makers, potters and wood carvers will be on hand providing demonstrations on various weekends throughout the year. A petting zoo, musicians and possible karaoke nights could also be on the entertainment schedule, Zimmerman said.

Live entertainment & demonstrations including quilting, painting, chainsaw & knife carving, pottery and rug weaving will be performed weekly on a stage, many of the items will be designed & made by Richard Zimmerman and family friend, Tango said.

Tango said Steiner Cheese will also be joining the flea market in its 13-acre village adjacent to the market in April. Dozens of cheeses will be available for free sampling and purchasing. Pre-made gift baskets will be available as well as meats, jams and other delicacies. Outdoor concessions also provide a wide variety of foods including both fair and Amish-style made daily.

Parking is free and the facility will be open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays 9 a.m.-5p.m. April through the middle of December.

The facility will hold more than 50 vendors. Zimmerman also said she would like to leave room to expand. Construction on the new facility began Nov. 1. The building will be completed in March and the flea market will open the second week of April, Tango said.

"The families still think they need a vacation once a year, but they can't afford a Disney World trip," Tango said. "At least this way, we are right around the corner and this is a bargain and you can come here and spend a day."
Zinck had also been questioned about starting up a business during these tough economic times, and said, "While many business owners were all moaning last year, in reality, the tourism in our area was not down much."

"People were coming here rather than taking (longer) trips. People were still here. All you had to do was go through Berlin the last couple of Saturdays to see that," he said. "We're still here, people are still coming."

Christy Johnson can be reached at 330-287-1624 or cjohnson@the-daily-record.com. Reporters Christine L. Pratt and Katy Ganz can be reached at 330-674-1811.