From Flea Market to a Family Affair

For over 15 years, Bargain Town, a local Homestead flea market serves as a social gathering place for many legal and illegal immigrants in Homestead.

Shoppers arrive with varying agendas but families like the Zepedo family
opt for Sunday afternoon of “family fun day” with pony rides, eating chimichangas, and chatting with other parents about their homeland.

"For a while now, they started having these mini carnivals for the kids and families. Its great because my girls really enjoy it and its cost efficient,” said Carla. "It really gives us an opportunity to take our kids out and meet other families."

The flea market, is a former tomato packing plant that later was used to manufacture windows, today it houses vendors of both new and old merchandise, open air fruit market, many eateries with typical Hispanic dishes in particular Mexican and a mini carnival area.

Bargain Town’s developer and owner, Rene F. Infante, said the flea market contains a family ambiance. Through out the years he has witnessed people form close ties. Families have fun together while also investing on staple deals for groceries and toiletry items.

“It's not really a money-maker; it's more to get people out," she said. "A lot of people here can't get to Ottawa for all those events," Infante said.

More than 150 people join in on the weekend’s merriment at the flea market. Many families race to Bargain Town in the morning to complete their shopping early. Ponies, a few carnival rides, and occasionally a clown await the families. For a few dollars kids can enjoy a an afternoon of activities.

“Its difficult adapting to a new culture, language and country. Here we can forget the troubles that we face during the week and be Mexican,” Luis Zepedo said.

For many immigrant families it is almost financially impossible to benefit from fairs, venues targeted for children because their salaries just don’t allow it. Different mothers explained that having the option to rejoice with their husbands and kids is what keeps them coming back.

On Saturdays and Sundays, the merchants set up their stalls about 7 AM in the produce barn, a large building open on all four sides with dozens of stalls. Shoppers arrive about the same time as the sellers, and continue to come until the market gates close around 6 PM.

Most of the activities take place on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. For those looking to purchase fresh produce, farmers bring their goods Wednesday through Sunday, and the pet and plant shops are open daily.
Bargain Town’s main building is difficult to miss, located on 24420 S. Dixie Highway, the packing house building can be seen from many blocks away.