MAMAKATING – The Town of Mamakating flea market is set to return for an extended season, operating Saturdays from May 23 through Oct. 18 following the Town Board’s contract approval Tuesday night.

Town Supervisor Peter Goodman said the market aims to build on what he described as “a good start” after last year’s limited trial, which ran for several weekends in August.

“We’re hoping to make it even more successful,” Goodman said.

The market is organized by Emma Dewing, who also operates the Beacon Flea Market. Dewing said last year’s effort was intentionally scaled down and held without advertising as a test run.

“I managed to get five weekends out of the month of August … it was a great, successful month,” Dewing said, noting positive feedback from the community and nearby Wurtsboro.

Councilman Jim Post raised concerns about the market’s broader impact, saying some local business owners and members of the Wurtsboro Board of Trade did not observe a significant increase in foot traffic tied to the event.

“I’m personally opposed to the name ‘flea market’,” Post said, adding that activities held at Town Hall reflect on the town as a whole.

Dewing responded by explaining that the term “flea market” signals variety and accessibility while maintaining strict oversight of vendors.

“Vendors have to come through me first,” she said. “There’s no real new stuff… no ‘as seen on TV’ items.”

She said the market will focus on vintage goods, collectibles and locally sourced items, including antiques, plants and repurposed materials.

“I’m looking for junk, but in the really good, cool term of junk,” Dewing added, emphasizing quality control.

To increase visibility this year, Dewing said she plans to invest in advertising, including a billboard along Route 17 near the Bloomingburg exit, aimed at attracting visitors to the area.

“I want this to be successful from the get-go,” she said. “I want it to bring people into the town.”

Post ultimately expressed support for the effort, noting its potential benefit to both the town and Wurtsboro.

“You succeed, we all succeed,” he said.

The agreement for the 2026 market was approved by the Town Board, with a motion by Councilman Michael Robbins and a second by Councilman Tyler Wood.