LYNN — The Goldfish Pond Association is hosting its 42nd annual Fun ‘N Flea Day on Sept. 10, continuing the tradition that offers a day full of vendors, activities, performances and fun.
At this event, vendors can pay $35 to rent a table from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. to sell crafts, get rid of items from their homes, or promote a business or politician.
While Fun ‘N Flea Day helps raise money for the upkeep of the pond and Lafayette Park, Ward 3 Councilor Coco Alinsug said it is also a great social event that he is happy to see continue after 42 years.
“It’s in its 42nd year. How many neighborhood associations can you find in Lynn that have these nonstop, except for COVID, traditional events in the city? Goldfish Pond is one of them,” Alinsug said. “You will fall in love with the neighbors, the park, the history of the park … and we need to continue that tradition.”
Alinsug moved to Lynn 20 years ago and credits the “amazing” neighbors and community around Goldfish Pond for keeping him there. He still remembers his first Fun ‘N Flea Day, being in charge of activities with the kids, including eating pizza and decorating the pond with balloons the night before and giving boat rides.
Alinsug hopes to keep this tradition going as it has not only become a significant event in the neighborhood, but because people from all over look forward to attending each year.
“Eighty-percent of our visitors are old neighbors that used to live here who always mark their calendars that every Saturday after Labor Day is when they come back to Lynn, visit old friends and old neighbors and volunteer,” Alinsug said. “During COVID, I remember that there were still some of those families that came back, not knowing that we had to cancel the event because of COVID.”
Goldfish Pond Association member and former President Paul Coombs, began living in the neighborhood in 1959 and has attended numerous Fun ‘N Flea Days over the years.
“It’s become a neighborhood tradition. I like every aspect of it — the vendors, some of the interesting things they sell, and meeting people,” Coombs said. “It really reflects the culture of Lynn. If you get out there, it really is a melting pot. There are people from everywhere … It’s an incredible mix of people and everyone’s out there buying and selling things and having a good time.”
In addition to the vendors, Fun ‘N Flea Day will also consist of performances from local bands and singers.
As the largest fundraising event for the Goldfish Pond Association, the fee for vendors helps the association raise money to plant flowers, buy decorations, do landscaping, and pay for updates needed to the fountain.
Coombs said the Goldfish Pond Association is always welcoming new members, preferably those who live in Lynn, but interested residents do not have to live near the pond. As a member, duties include cleaning up the pond, maintaining the flowers, and helping to host events like Fun ‘N Flea Day.
For any questions or to secure a table as a vendor, reach out to Coombs at (781)-479-6623 or by email at [email protected]. Questions can also be directed to Alinsug at [email protected] or (781)-913-3747.
Allysha Dunnigan can be reached at [email protected].
