Aerial photo of the Sussex Flea Market in 2016. (Photo from NBAAC website)

The Sussex Flea Market will return this weekend after a two-year hiatus caused by COVID-19.

Pandemic restrictions forced market organizers to cancel the long-running event in 2020 and 2021.

However, it is back this year, which the president of the local chamber of commerce says is a benefit for the entire community.

“This is one of those economic drivers that when the pandemic hit small businesses in Sussex noticed because that money stopped. It didn’t come in those two years. So we are thankful to have that back this year,” said Paul Bedford, president of the Sussex Chamber of Commerce.

Hundreds of vendors and thousands of visitors are expected to descend on Sussex for the three-day event.

Bedford mentioned that restaurants and other local businesses have anticipated a large turnout, and are preparing for the weekend.

“They’re staffing up, they’re bringing in extra food to make sure they have it in their coolers or freezers. They’re expecting a huge crowd as they’ve seen in years past.”

Vendors are expected to arrive in Sussex from around North America and will show off and sell products such as collectibles, jewelry, handicrafts, household items, and automotive parts/items.

“People have asked me before, ‘What can I go to the flea market and try and find?’ and if you can dream it you will find it because there are so many different vendors,” mentioned Bedford.

The Sussex Flea Market runs Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Admission is $5 for adults and free for children 12 and under when accompanied by an adult.