Looking around for that last minute Christmas gift?

Mike Lippke, the general manager of the Lehigh Acres Flea Market, says you don’t have to look anywhere else but the flea market with its expanded size and 30 or more vendors.

“We have expanded; we have so much more at the flea market than ever before and we offer a lot of services from minor engine repair to upholstery,” said Lippke, who has overseen the flea market, for two years.

With all the improvements and expansion, the flea market is quickly becoming not only a place to shop and browse, but a tourist attraction right here in Lehigh Acres.

The flea market celebrated its 50th year anniversary last year. Back then, there were only a few vendors, but the site off of Beth Stacey Blvd., and off of Homestead Rd., has grown and draws visitors every day of the week that it is open. Generally, vendors are there from Tuesday through Saturday.

Lippke said some vendors open on Saturday.

“Not only can you eat here, but you can buy trinkets, appliances, and soon to be tires and oil changes, you can purchase shrubs and trees, vendors say, cheaper than anywhere else even Walmart, they claim.

“Actually, the flea market has doubled in size and business is good. We have a great variety of produce, both inside and outside, much of it can’t be found at other sites, and vendors promise it is as fresh as just taking it out of the fields.

“People are really curious when they see our chain saw artist at work. He can turn a piece of wood into anything,” he said.

“Folks can finish up their Christmas shopping here. We are one big happy family. We are a small-town very friendly place to shop. That’s why a giant clown has been painted on the front of the flea market which faces Microtel Inn & Suites.

“People who visit Lehigh and stay at the hotel can spend a couple of hours over here having a great time,” Lippke said.

And the flea market is continuing its Saturday bashes in which entertainment is provided and raffles tickets are sold and visitors get flea market bucks to use at any vendor in the flea market. You don’t even have to use them the day you win them; you can use them on another visit and Lippke says they will save you money for sure. Another one is planned for some time in January.

“It’s easy to get here, too. Guests can come here by driving behind the Hess Station on Homestead Rd., or they can come in at the Lehigh Professional Center off of Beth Stacey Blvd. or they can come in on Homestead Rd. and drive back behind the Sheriff’s Office. We are next to the Sheriff’s Bravo Station and next to the Lehigh Senior Citizen Center with plenty of free parking,” Lippke said.

Someone visiting the flea market last week was surprised to learn they could even purchase uniforms for professional health people.

“Oh, and we’ll have a handyman here. How many other flea markets or any other business boast about that,” Lippke said. “And we have a computer place where you can get yours fixed if it has stopped working.”

There are a few open vendors’ spots and Lippke suggests you call him at 770-1916 or stop by his office which is on the north side of the building.

“Don’t forget to tell them that our mascot is Buster, a Maltese Mix. He loves people and people love to pet him,” Lippke said. He also carries Buster into area nursing homes to spruce up the lives of senior citizens who look forward to seeing the friendly little dog.

Lippke went even so far to say that if you can’t find something you want here, we’ll find it for you.

“This could be the spot to buy something for someone who has everything. You can find some unique items here, both used and new.

“We’re going to continue to grow. We have plans for selling used and new tires in January and doing minor car repair such as plans to do oil changes while the shopper enjoys the flea market,” Lippke said.

He said a shopper or browser can easily spend two hours at the flea market and the walking is easy because the market isn’t stretched out like some larger ones.

“We have wonderful fresh produce and we have steady customers who come every week. People who want to plant a palm or a magnolia tree or some other tropical plant can find it here. We’ll even load it up for you,” he laughed.

CAPTIONS for photos at right:

ALL PHOTOS BY MEL TOADVINE

Shoppers at flea market

Flea market trees and other tropical plants

Front of flea market

Martza DeJesus with produce for sale

Oscar Perez looking over lawnmower for sale