Last Saturday, amongst the beautiful garden pots, fresh fruits and vegetables, children’s clothing and toys, various hot food and ice cold drink vendors, LaBelle’s Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter 144 celebrated the conversion and expansion of the LaBelle DAV Flea Market.

“It looks great! The parking is more accessible, and there are so many vendors. You can find anything from jewelry and clothing to delicious empanadas and other hot and yummy food,” says long time flea market shopper, Alexis Guerrero.

The DAV has owned and operated the LaBelle Flea Market for 30 years. This dedicated and hardworking chapter of disabled veterans volunteer their time, and uses 100 percent of the money raised through the flea market vendor fees, to help local veterans in need.

“I’m impressed by all the changes. It’s much better organized. There seems to be a lot more booths. The prices are excellent also,” reports Shane Lyons, self-appointed snow bird and flea market expert.

The DAV urges everyone to come out and see the new updates. Their new layout allows for more vendor space and parking. The market is located at the corner of Miller Ave and MLK just off Route 80, across from the Shell gas station in LaBelle, and is open every Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. If you’d like to become a vendor, a 20x20 spot allows you to sell pretty much anything, and it is only a small donation to a great cause.

They are also always looking for volunteers and disabled veterans to join them. LaBelle DAV Chapter 144 meetings are held during September through May, at 7:00 p.m., on the first Thursday of each month at the American Legion in LaBelle. The DAV can be reached by phone at (863) 612-0300 or visit them online at www.davchapter144.org .