The Star Journal asked Lara Reed, Executive Director of the Rhinelander Chamber of Commerce. Reed responded:

“While I can’t say it’s never been discussed, running a flea market along with the Hodag Farmer’s Market is not something we are looking at doing at this time.

“The Hodag Farmer’s Market has a great and long-standing tradition, and the vendors offer some great home grown produce and products. Doing something like this would need to be thought out carefully and executed only with the blessings of the Hodag Farmer’s Market vendors. The farmer’s market is capturing on a specific customer, and everything allowed at the park has to fit the criteria of that group, so anything that we would consider doing alongside would have to follow in line with the vision and goal of the farmer’s market.

“While a flea market on Saturdays might not be in the works, one exciting new venture this summer is a downtown flea market. The Downtown Flea and Farm Market will launch on May 3, and will be held on Thursdays until October. This market will be downtown in the parking lot behind The Brown Street Mall. This new venture is exactly the type of event that this question is referring to; it will offer homegrown or handmade items-everything from landscaping plants, fresh produce, fine arts, baked goods and more. The market will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“There is no doubt that both farmer’s markets and flea markets are growing in popularity, and having this addition to downtown will be great this summer!”