San Jose Flea Market facts for kids
.png){kind=logo} |
|
.jpg)
Aerial photograph of Berryessa Flea Market (2003). Berryessa Road runs diagonally, from upper right to lower left, dividing the site into north and south parcels. Bayshore Freeway runs horizontally in the lower part of the photograph.
|
|
| Coordinates | 37°22′09″N 121°52′44″W / 37.36922°N 121.8789°W |
|---|---|
| Address | 1590 Berryessa Rd San Jose, CA 95133 |
| Opening date | March 1960 |
| Total retail floor area | 120 acres (49 ha) |
| Parking | onsite |
| Public transit access | VTA: 61, 70, 77, 500, 523 BART: Berryessa |
The San Jose Flea Market is a huge outdoor market in San Jose, California. It is located in the Berryessa area. George Bumb Sr. started it in March 1960. He got the idea while working with trash and landfills. He saw many useful things being thrown away. He thought he could sell these items.
After visiting other markets, George Bumb Sr. opened the San Jose Flea Market. He bought 120 acres (about 49 hectares) of land. This land used to be an old meat factory. He changed it into a market. It started with only 20 sellers and about 100 visitors each day.
Contents
How the Flea Market Works
Who Runs the Market?
The Bumb family has owned and run the San Jose Flea Market since it began. George Bumb Sr.'s son, Brian Bumb Sr., helped manage it. His brothers, George Bumb Jr. and Timothy Bumb, were also part owners. Other family members also work there. They own stalls, run food carts, and hold management jobs. For example, Joe Bumb, Brian Bumb's cousin, owns a jewelry store inside the market.
Fun Things to See and Do
The market has eight miles (13 km) of paths. Over 2,000 sellers set up their shops here. In 1987, the market said it had 2,400 sellers. It also had more than 4 million visitors every year. The Flea Market is like a small town. It helps many local families earn money.
You can find many different things at the market. These include jewelry, furniture, clothes, and fresh fruits and vegetables. You can also buy shoes, toys, books, and car parts. There are also tools, makeup, and cooking items.
The Flea Market has many restaurants. They are owned by The Flea Market, Inc. They sell American and Mexican food. You can also find food carts selling drinks and churros. The largest part of the market is its Farmers Market. It is a quarter-mile long. California farmers sell their fresh fruits and vegetables there.
The Flea Market also has entertainment every weekend. There are two stages. One stage often has a Mexican Mariachi band playing music. For kids, there is a vintage carousel and an arcade. There are also three playgrounds and carnival rides.
The Market's Location
The whole market area is about 120 acres (49 hectares). It is split into two parts by Berryessa Road. The northern part is about 57 acres. The southern part is about 63 acres. The northern area used to be for parking. Now, new homes are being built there. The southern area still has the Flea Market and a smaller parking lot.
In June 2020, the Berryessa/North San José station opened. This train station makes it easy to get to the market. It is part of the BART system. BART connects many places in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Market History
The San Jose Flea Market was first called the Berryessa Flea Market. It was located at 12000 Berryessa Road. This was a little east of its current spot.
The 2006 Fire
On November 29, 2006, a fire happened at the market. It burned down 24 stands in the Produce Row area. Firefighters arrived quickly. They put out the fire in about an hour. However, $200,000 worth of goods were destroyed. Burnt nuts, fruit, and plastic were everywhere. Theresa Bumb, a family member, said they would help the affected sellers. They offered free or cheaper rent.
Future Plans for the Market
On August 14, 2007, the San Jose City Council approved a plan. This plan allows for building 2,800 homes on the market's land. The council listened to ideas from the public. They voted 10 to 1 to approve the plan. At that time, the Bumb family said they had no immediate plans to build.
In January 2019, the San Jose City Council held another meeting. They showed new plans for the land north of Berryessa Road. This area used to be parking for the market. The plans include homes, shops, parks, and a future medical building. A large shopping center with a Safeway and CVS Pharmacy has already opened there. The big triangle-shaped land south of Berryessa Road, where the market is now, is planned for business buildings.
See also
In Spanish: Mercado al aire libre de San José para niños
