The Hempfield community flea market will be held on Monday, Sept. 5, at Amos Herr Park, 1756 Nissley Road, Landisville. The event will run from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and feature over 150 vendors, both locally based and visiting from across Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware and New Jersey.

The flea market was started close to 30 years ago by the Hempfield Women's Club as a means of raising funds for community aid and outreach. The Hempfield recCenter first became a partner of the since-disbanded women's club nearly a decade ago and now primarily coordinates the event; the proceeds from the flea market benefit the rec center's "Everyone Belongs" campaign. "The flea market is a little bit of everything in terms of what there is to buy," said Catherine Hamby, membership director for Hempfield recCenter. "Antiques, yard sale items, plants, handmade goods and food trucks are all available." Bricker Famous French Fries, The Eggroll Lady, and Foltz's Pretzels will be among the food trucks present.

"Everyone Belongs" is a financial assistance campaign that provides support for those lacking the funds to participate in many of the rec center's programs. The campaign enables people to attend day camps for children, youth programs, swim lessons and more, and it provides financial assistance with membership fees. The "Everyone Belongs" campaign also assists those looking to participate in football and dance programs. The money raised through the flea market also benefits local parks managed by the rec center. "We reach into school programs, manage West Hempfield parks and host a variety of events in the community. The rec center has huge roots within all different aspects of the community and connects with so many people both inside and outside of the area," said Hamby.

The funds are raised primarily through a fee charged for vendors to participate in the market, which includes a 20-by-20-foot space to set up and sell merchandise. Additionally, attendees will have an opportunity to contribute via strictly donation-based parking. Each year, volunteers from Troop 64 assist with setting up the event and directing parking; in return, the rec center makes donations to the Scouts.

For more information or to become a vendor, contact Hamby at 717-898-3102, ext. 141. For more information on rec center programs, visit https://hempfieldrec.com/.