FLORIDA'S LARGEST FLEA MARKET EVER: SUMTER COUNTY FARMERS MARKET

In this tough economy, there is one destination that is booming. "We come out to Webster because there are lots of great deals," said shopper Edna MacKenzie. The Sumter County community is home to just 1,000 people. Each Monday, the population explodes to more than 10,000. "It is so much fun," MacKenzie said.

"There are people from across the state of Florida here selling their produce," said manager Mark Harrell. Welcome to the Sumter County Farmers Market. "We just love buying the fresh veggies," MacKenzie said. Here, you'll find 40 acres full of fresh produce, merchandise and, well, hair weaves? "It's just a great big open air mall. That is what it is," Harrell said. Harrell manages the 1,500 vendors who sell fresh produce, clothing and even items "As Seen On TV."

Sometimes called the Webster Flea Market, this place is a Florida tradition. "Every visitor that comes to see us we live in Lakeland - we bring them here every Monday morning. And pictures are taken and everyone just loves it," MacKenzie said. Ironically, farmers founded the market during the last major economic downturn - the Great Depression.

"The older farmers did not have an outlet for the vegetables. They were growing to be profitable," said Marvin Fussell, Sr. Fussell, Sr. first started working here in 1939. He helped build the majority of the sheds that still stand today. While the produce is still popular, so is the ice cream served by a man named "Grumpy." "A lot of my customers wouldn't feel right if I didn't yell at them," said Grumpy Taylor.

Actually, most folks here are quite pleasant. Maybe that's because they get six days off a week. The Sumter County Farmers Market is open every Monday from 7am to 3pm rain or shine.

For additional information contact the Sumter County Farmers Market, Inc.
P.O. Box 62
Webster, FL 33597

Phone: 352-793-2021 or 352-793-3551 or Fax: 352-793-9474