06/07/2019
The Sun Sets on the Tomales Farm & Flea Market
With heavy hearts but recognizing the accomplishment of holding 12 successful events, we are retiring the Tomales Farm & Flea Market (TFFM).
Our event took seed around a mountaintop bonfire one evening in 2006 while a few of us discussed the need to clear out our closets and storage.
Originally called the Tomales Swap Meet it quickly brought together residents and tourists in a day of selling, shopping and happy camaraderie.
But it is time to shelve the annual event because, frankly, after twelve years of sales we have all cleared out our closets and storage!
The proceeds from the booth sales were donated over the years to the following causes: the Save the Buckeye fundraiser which purchased the lot next to the Tomales Town Hall; the clean up and renovation of the two meridians in the center of town, the creation of a Tomales Community Park entry gate and signage, and ten $500 college scholarships to Tomales high school graduates.
We thank everyone who participated, including our town folk, sponsors, booth vendors, musicians, food sellers, and volunteers. Also we thank the residents and businesses on First Street and John Street who kindly allowed us to close off their streets for the day, especially Bill Bonini for the use of his empty lot, as well as the Tomales Elementary School which permitted use of the school parking lot.
I’d like to give a special thank you to my fellow committee members and bonfire conspirators, Donna Clavaud and Lori Thornton, as well as to our graphic artist Evan Naylor, and to Gary Thornton for the use of the image of his classic truck in our signage and publicity, and to Lori and Gary’s daughter Marissa for often driving us, the committee, in the Tomales Founders Day Parade in Gary’s classic truck.
It’s been a fun ride, literally and figuratively, and I’ll especially miss the Sunday morning planning meetings with coffee and pastries at the Tomales Bakery.
Who knows, maybe there will be a reincarnation of the Tomales Farm & Flea Market in the future, when our closets and detached garages are once again full.
Sincerely,
Bonnie MacLaird
Tomales, California
June 7, 2019
