The Hill flea showcases a variety of businesses and groups that sell items as diverse as jewelry recycled from old skateboard decks to handmade ceramics.
The CU student-run Beyond Organic Farm sells purely organic vegetables farmed without the use of additives or pesticides.
Marc Weinzimmer, a 21-year-old senior environmental studies major, worked the organic farm’s table at the flea.
“[Being a part of the Hill flea] has been pretty fun,” Weinzimmer said. “People love having us because we have local grown food. It’s mostly crafts here and they like the variety.”
Each week the flea also features workshops and activities that correlate with a chosen theme. Last Sunday’s theme was “Fashion Fall Remix,” which showcased local designer fashions.
Some highlights included dresses made of recycled old clothing by Marianne and Ginger, yoga inspired clothing made from organic materials by Beckons Organic and dresses with an Asian flair from Denver’s Kimono Dragons.
Other local designers included Autumn Teneyl, Anja Artisan Jewelry, Boulder & Beyond, Erica Tess Apparel, Sea & Em Jewelry and Skqurt.
Ann Sather, designer and partner of Beckons Organic, said the flea market has been good for business.
“[The Hill] has been a little helpful in spreading our name,” Sather said. “I think the flea is good for The Hill and is helping The Hill.”
Hillary Griffith, head coordinator of The Hill flea, sits on the University Commercial Area Management Commission, a group that serves as a contact to community and advises the city council. She said she saw a need to bring the CU and Boulder communities together.
“[UCAM] wanted to help bring variety and bring the community together and create a place ideally for the students to showcase their art and talents and allow for entrepreneurship,” Griffith said. “The Hill serves as a place where the university can interact with the community. It acts as that transition.”
Griffith said she encourages the participation of the college community. As plot rates are in the price range of $35–$100, she said she hopes student groups will take advantage and become more involved by holding fundraisers, performing music or selling their own crafts.
“(UCAM felt the Hill) has space for young people and it’s important to have what they need and want,” Griffith said. “It is our endeavor to start a positive change in the Hill, one that whole community can join.”
Next Sunday the theme will be “Skill-Up Time,” which will offer workshops with samba and reggae dancers in the street and open salsa at 2 p.m.
With the flea still in its early stages, the main focus has been to generate a buzz about the market.
“It has been mellow, but consistent, but I would like to get some good energy in here,” Griffith said.
CU juniors Tyler Adams, Mattie Moore and Garrett LaCouture all said they agreed that the flea had a nice enjoyable feel, but Adams also said he saw the need for a livelier atmosphere.
“It’s pretty good, but it feels like it could be bigger,” Adams said.
For more information visit the Hill flea market Web site.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Rose Heaphy at Josephine.heaphy@colorado.edu.
