Flea Market – GAL Lugano

We are in 18th-century Paris, where the streets in the city center are being renovated. As a result, the street markets have been moved to the northern part of the city.

These markets mainly sold secondhand goods such as furniture, clothing, and so on. One can imagine that hygiene standards back then were nothing like they are today.

This leads to the hypothesis that there were some pesky little creatures lurking in the upholstery of the furniture and clothing.

According to the story, this is how the name “Marché aux puces” or Flea Market came to be. That is its origin.

In today's language, the term is still used but has lost its negative connotation.

In our field, building model airplanes is a way to deal with models and other accessories that are no longer used—to pass them on to a buyer in need or to another enthusiast.

In German-speaking Switzerland, this type of market is already widespread and very popular among clubs.

Here in Ticino, it’s still relatively unknown. This makes it all the more gratifying that the Lugano Model Aircraft Group has taken on the task of launching the first Public Secondhand Market.

Items for sale included model airplanes, motors, and electronics, among other things. There was already a large number of sellers and visitors, which resulted in several sales. The only thing missing was the camaraderie and conversation at the bar.

These two days will show how to increase the popularity of such an event.

It’s worth promoting, and a repeat event would be desirable.

All great things have humble beginnings.

Thank you, GAL

More photos on the next page →