As Tocco got the wheels turning for Providence Flea , she was also working as communications director for the lieutenant governor ’ s office . She was later hired by HealthSource RI , the state-based health exchange , and promoted to deputy director of communications , advertising and outreach . Once Providence Flea ’ s popularity picked up , Tocco ’ s wife encouraged her to turn it into a full-time endeavor .
A decade later , Tocco reflects on the work she and her wife have put into the business venture .
“ It ’ s been a feat , especially with the fact that we were able to operate during COVID besides being shut down for five months in 2020 ,” Tocco says . “ The fact that we could keep it going and growing is something that I ’ m really proud of .”
Why is it not your typical flea market , you ask ? “ It ’ s vintage , artisans and independent makers ; everything has to be either handmade , small-batch or vintage ,” says Tocco , ensuring that shoppers won ’ t find anything mass-produced . The Flea also features vendors from other New England states like Massachusetts , Connecticut and Vermont , and even a couple from New York .
For the past ten seasons of Providence Flea , shoppers have gotten familiar with the small businesses of the state , and what Tocco enjoys seeing the most on Sundays is the community the Flea has built among vendors and their followers .
“ People come here as a gathering spot to support local vendors and small businesses , meet up [ with friends ] to shop together , eat together , hang out , see what ’ s new and to visit their favorite vendors or to see the featured vendors in our newsletters ,” Tocco says .
On June 5 through Sept . 25 , take a stroll down South Water Street on Sundays from 10 a . m .– 3 p . m . Sign up for the newsletter for event updates and market highlights on the website and follow the Flea on
Browse our comprehensive online guide now through June 30 at RIMonthly . com and discover the perfect summer camp for your child .
FEATURED CAMPS :
Adventure Day Camp Debate Camp
Dream Big Gymnastics Vacation and Summer Camp
Gamm Theatre Summer Camps
Girl Scouts of Southeastern New England ’ s Camp Hoffman and Camp Rocky Farm
Summer at Gordon Greater Providence YMCA Summer Camps International Tennis Hall of Fame Launch Camp Moses Brown Summer Camps Project FashionWorks Providence Country Day Summer Camp Next Stop BROADWAY @ PPAC
Rhode Island Fencing Academy and Club
RISD Continuing Education Summer Camps and Classes
Rhode Island Tutorial and Educational Services Summer Academics
St . Andrew ’ s Summer Camps Tabor Summer Camp Taste Buds Kitchen
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