De Anza’s flea market: from fossils and crystals to vintage goods

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Alejandra Cabrera, Staff Writer

Neither the wind nor the rain stopped the DASB’s monthly flea market from taking place on Saturday, Feb. 7 in lots A and B.

While the parking lots weren’t as packed as they are during the summer months, there were still people roaming around the different booths.

This is a big contrast to the summer months.

According to the De Anza website, the De Anza Flea Market contains about 825 vendor stalls and usually sells out very quickly.  If in good weather, the Flea Market will typically draw approximately 15,000 to 20,000 shoppers.

Despite the low attendance of vendors this time around, there were still a few interesting booths that caught people’s attention.

One particular booth that gathered many potential buyers was that of Rick Dulfer who sells vintage film cells, lobby cards and sports memorabilia.

Film enthusiasts can find film cells ranging from Disney’s Pinocchio (1940) to Disney’s Frozen (2013). Avid moviegoers can get lost in piles of lobby cards that had been displayed on popcorn and coke machines and walls during the original movie premiers.

Dulfer said he started this business in hopes of providing “a more affordable alternative to larger, more expensive film cells.”

He and his team travel all over North America and Canada in search for their merchandise. They gather most of it from estate sales and old movie theaters.

For the sports fan, Dulfer also has signed sports memorabilia for you to chose from.

Another interesting booth belonged to paleontologist Joseph Rotstein, who sells a large variety of crystals and fossils from around the world.

Most of the crystals he sells are raw but you can find a few polished pieces as well with everything from lapis, jade, aquamarine, turquoise, meteorites, you name it.

Rotstein also gives lessons about dinosaurs at schools, clubs and birthday parties. Students who present a valid school ID will also receive a special discount at his booth.

Vintage items and crystals aren’t the only things you can find at the DASB flea market. You can also find imported clothes and accessories.

Agusto sells hats, backpacks and bags, sweaters, cardigans,and alpaca fleece scarves. All of the items sold at his booth are handmade and imported from Peru, “even the vendor” – he joked.

Agusto says sales aren’t so great during the cold months, but he has a 6-month contract so his space is paid for whether he shows up or not.

It seems the uncooperative weather put a damper on things for this month’s flea market; but things are sure to start looking up as the weather gets more pleasant.

With vendors such as Dulfer, Rotstein and Agusto, there is sure to be something for everyone at the DASB flea market which is open every first Saturday of the month, rain or shine, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at parking lots A and B.