Walnut Creek Amish Flea Market fire turns lives upside down

WALNUT CREEK — The world was turned upside down in late August for the 50 vendors and operators of the Amish Flea Market when fire ravaged the 55,000-square foot building that houses many of the merchants.

The fire, which caused an estimated $2.8 million in damage, has closed the market through the remaining months of 2019. It also has left many to ponder their future, while others are doing everything they can to help move forward.

Co-owner January Tango said they hope to get the business up and running next year, but a lot depends on how much can be done this winter and spring. The weather is as important in rebuilding the Flea Market — located at 1900 state Route 39, between Walnut Creek and Sugarcreek — as it was in causing the fire that burned it down on Aug. 21. A lightning strike was the reported cause.

Many merchants were devastated by the blaze and attempted to salvage whatever they could from the scene. As one store owner pointed out, even though her outlet was on the backside firewall, all her shelves, flooring and stock were destroyed by fire, smoke and water damage. She said they will have to replace everything when they reopen next spring.

The outreach from the community has been tremendous, according to Tango, who owns the business with Betty Zimmerman.

Jesse Miller, general manager of the Holmes County Flea Market in Berlin, said although his business is a competitor with the Amish Flea Market in Walnut Creek, those lines blur when a catastrophe such as a fire hits.

Three vendors in Berlin created space to allow vendors from Walnut Creek to set up shop in the market space.

“One thing we were able to do to help out some of the vendors generate income, some of our vendors actually gave some of their space so they can operate in here,” Miller said. “I thought that was a really sweet gesture. Three of the vendors are operating here through the fall with an eye on heading back to the other market when they are ready to open.”

Tango said she knew that many of the business people were like a family, but she never realized how close everyone was until this tragedy. It is comforting to know that so many people care, she said.

“Customers, vendors, even businesses in the community have gotten together to help out,” Tango said. “People who have lost everything in the fire are helping out, doing whatever they can. It just goes back to the family aspect we have here.

“It’s been very humbling,” Tango continued. “People have been bringing meals to people who are cleaning up. That’s what’s keeping us going.”

A couple businesses have organized and sent in cleanup crews to help.

Coblentz Chocolates in Walnut Creek has taken things a step further, putting together a limited edition box of chocolates available for sale at each of the Best of Ohio’s Amish Country (BOAC) stores, which includes Lehman’s Hardware in Kidron, The Amish Door Restaurant, The Amish and Mennonite Heritage Center, Homestead Furniture and Heini’s Cheese Chalet, as well as at Coblentz Chocolate Co. in Walnut Creek or online at Coblentzchocolates.com.

The box includes two dozen assorted caramels, meltaways, creams, peanut butter cups and clusters. The proceeds go toward the renovation and reconstruction of the Flea Market.

CREDIT: KEVIN LYNCH