COLUMBUS, Ohio — Columbus is part of a growing movement, joining cities like Denver and Chicago that have birthed intensely popular downtown vintage shows. In Columbus, it’s the seasonal “Flea” series which started about seven years ago. Each season: winter, spring, summer, and fall the Columbus Flea lands at Seventh Sons Brewing Company in the city’s Italian Village neighborhood drawing hundreds of visitors.

Founder Nikki Portman said that this summer’s show had about 60 vendors, including several newcomers selling everything from mid-century furniture to old vinyl records, vintage clothing, and artisan-produced goods. The range of merchandise those vendors pack into about one city block is impressive.

Portman estimated that by 1 p.m. more than 400 people had attended; 1,500 were expected before day’s end. The show’s intimate footprint, both inside the brewery and in the parking lot created a natural buzz with guests shopping virtually shoulder to shoulder. That’s the nature of these boutique urban events; their feel is much like that of a city farmers market.

There wasn’t as much furniture as in years past and Bopfish Vintage from Marion Ohio almost single-handedly carried the category with a collection of mid-century furnishings. Owner Zach Bodish brought all modestly-priced pieces: a Wegner-style folding chair, for example, was only $85 and a starburst clock only $30. For those who preferred something they could easily tote, a Pan AM bag was $50 and old bowling pins, always conversation pieces, were easy on the wallet at $5. Bodish, a veteran dealer with 14 years of experience as a mid-century dealer has been with the Flea since its inception. He has a bit of notoriety, having once scored a signed Picasso print from a local thrift store.

Next door, Bodish’s colleague John Lytle had a handful of vintage bicycles, attractive to in-towners. Lytle, a car detailer by profession, specializes in restoring vintage Schwinns. He noted that true vintage Schwinns — Chicago Schwinns as they are known — were made in Chicago between 1949 and 1982 and have an oval Chicago badge. Lytle does complete tear-down mechanical restorations but doesn’t repaint the bicycles, preferring to keep them as original as possible. Among his offerings, a red Schwinn Legacy and Vintage Huffy were priced at $125. A blue Suburban model was priced at $149.

You wouldn’t think that something as large as antique Oriental rugs would show up at an event this space-challenged. Yet, that’s exactly what Nicola Wilhelm brought — it’s her professional specialty and she’s a repeat seller at the Columbus Fleas. She said she’s shopped garage sales and thrift stores since her teen years before eventually opening her store, Helm Collective. She prefers items with a bohemian or earthy flare and her favorite finds are those old rugs. Her pieces started at $125 and ran up to $425.

Elizabeth’s Records from Columbus offered what you’d expect — records — bins of them! There were 12 inch LPs of all genres and eras along with a smaller selection of 45s, cassettes, and 8-track tapes. A good catch was a copy of Led Zeppelin’s debut album with the iconic Hindenburg cover for $12.50. Bargain shoppers could rifle through bins priced as low as three for $5.

Vintage clothing is always popular at these events, but Eric Guindon spun that category a bit differently. His booth, E.G. Mobile Thrift offered strictly vintage T-shirts spanning back to the 1970s, priced anywhere from $5 to $45. He’s been a vendor at the flea for five years and a dealer since he was 16-years old.

Mindi Burton’s says she’s just a vintage lover from Ohio who’s been collecting as long as she can remember. She opened The Sweetest Chill to share her finds. In her booth were a striking vintage silk kimono for $65 and an old pawn silver and turquoise squash blossom necklace for $550.

Then there was Foxx Smoulder (read the name again for the entendre to the X-Files) dolled up in 1940s pinup glam, offering vintage jewelry and accessories. She’s been a dealer and Etsy shop owner for a mere two years and her first Flea was last year. Her jewelry was priced from $5 to $40. Among her other merchandise: a set of mushroom canisters circa 1976, in strikingly good condition, for $75.

First-time seller Brett Benack was among the upcyclers at the Flea. His star piece was a Victorian-era White sewing machine stand repurposed into a guitar stand using recycled barn wood, priced for $225. Benack business started as a hobby and has now evolved into a business; he was quite pleased with his inaugural experience at the Flea.

The location at Seventh Sons Brewing Company is no doubt part of the allure. Visitors and vendors took advantage of the craft brewery’s offerings. For those not imbibing, three food trucks were onsite and entertainment was provided throughout the day.

The Columbus Fall Flea is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 7. Parking in the Italian Village neighborhood can be difficult on show days, plan to walk several blocks and bring bags to carry your treasures.

For more information contact: columbusflea@gmail.com.