Looking to take a cheap break from summer college classes, ridiculous work schedules or those hardcore gym workouts? Take the yellow brick road to a summer afternoon at Roosevelt Park for the Really Really Free Market – and leave those wallets at home.

This small local gathering in Downtown San Jose truly sets up an inviting space, where everyone from many different backgrounds can relax, socialize and browse through all the free things being offered.

Former De Anza College student Martie Guile said, “It’s a free market, the whole point is to bring what you have to the table and share with a crowd that may or may not be able to afford them. It doesn’t even have to be belongings, sharing what you know and offering up your skills can help society and promote the purpose of the event too.”

One of the organizers of the event, Russell Jeanty said “this is a decentralized, unplanned event, people just come and bring it together – we met this whole co-op of people who were interested.”
Aside from these many generous donations made that were scattered throughout the area, many people offered up their skills as well.

Felicia Renee, a 20-year-old De Anza student who was offering free massages said, “I’m no expert at this but I believe anyone can give and receive massages. It should be something that everyone has the chance to enjoy.”

Alongside the massages was another popular freebie that both adults and children adored: the beautiful free henna art. Henna, a dark green natural paste that dries off leaving an orange dye on the skin is generally used for temporary tattooing.

Yan-Yin Choy, a 20-year-old San Jose State University student learned this art form in a summer class and with the extra tubes of unused henna, graciously decided to donate her time and skill to the free market as well. She spent her hours tattooing designs from flowers, to symbols, to interesting hand patterns.

Smile cards were distributed – saying that after being tagged with an anonymous act of kindness, you should leave the card behind to keep the spirit going. The intent of the event can be embodied in the following quote by Gandhi: “the fragrance always remains on the hand that gives the rose.”

Another one of the organizers, Juliet Blalack said, “we just set the next free market date for Sunday, August 29 at the same time and place. There will be different services – we’re excited because we have someone confirmed for yoga!”

The next Really Really Free Market will take place beginning at 1 p.m. at Roosevelt Park in Downtown San Jose, on the corner of 19th Street and Santa Clara Street. Parking is free, and can be found in the nearby parking lot.