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
The fire, which caused an estimated
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
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
Three vendors in
“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
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.
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