Saturday is the new Sunday for Bremerton market

Michelle Baxter Patton’s decision to take her popular flea market at Uptown Mercantile & Marketplace on Pacific Avenue from Sundays to Saturdays boils down to two simple reasons.

“God and the Seahawks,” she said. “I can’t compete with them. Nor would I want to.”

As fall approached, she felt Saturdays made more sense for “The Merc” at 816 Pacific Avenue, noting there’s more happening in Bremerton that day that might spur people to stop by the market.

There’s good reason: she’s got pre-loved vintage items for sale from as many as 40 vendors between the store and its flea market space, a gymnasium-sized showroom that once was a Pontiac dealership (see photo).

Among the goodies for sale right now: a 19th century bed frame that was reportedly where the sheriff who arrested Billy the Kid laid his head, she said. The price: $350.

The flea market’s new day kicks off this Saturday, Sept. 26, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with loads of festivities all day long. A “vintage” car show will complement the market and Aaron McFadden and the Whiskey Jackets will also be playing. Two food carts — the Tiki Truck and Ray’s Dogs — will also be on hand.

It’s obvious Baxter Patton has a passion for her business. The former hair dresser, raised in the family who started and continues to run Bremerton Bottling Company, has entrepreneurship in her blood. She took over the Mercantile in February from Amber Breske. Since then, she’s loved just about every minute.

I think this Facebook post says it all.