The Georgetown Flea Market Returns!

Sunday, September 7 marks the re-opening of the 36-year-old Georgetown Flea Market at the newly-renovated Hardy Middle School, and not a moment too soon.

Fifty dealers are flocking back to Zip Code 20007 with their antique and vintage wares: furniture, rugs, art, books, maps, mirrors, sterling and silverplate, fine and costume jewelry, table linens, china, flatware, lamps, vases, linens, clothing, garden ornaments, architectural elements and political memorabilia (hey, this is Washington in an election year.)

The city's longest-running outdoor flea has always been a favorite haunt of area collectors, decorators, antiques dealers, tourists and celebrities, including actress Diane Keaton and Pulitzer prize-winning author Larry McMurtry, whose novel, "Cadillac Jack," a classic tale of the previously-owned, is partly set in Georgetown.

The venerable Georgetown Flea was founded in 1973 by lifelong collector Michael Sussman. "I wanted to create a vibrant marketplace where people could buy, sell and hang out. Today, with the economy and the environment in such trouble, it remains the perfect place to find a bargain and save the planet. Go green! Buy antiques."

DC City Councilman Jim Graham (Democrat-Ward 1), who fought hard to return the market to Hardy Middle School, said "The Georgetown Flea Market should be in Georgetown. It really contributes to Washington's vitality. I'm glad the city honored its promise to bring back the market."

But those of you who have grown to love the Saturday and Sunday markets in Arlington, never fear. There will still be dealers there, too, on Saturdays and Sundays.

A gala "Official Homecome Celebration" is set for Sunday, Sept. 21 (weather permitting). Be there or be square.

For additional information, call 202-775-FLEA.