The O.F.F. Market

Leah Durig and Mickey Griffen are artists by trade and flea market enthusiasts for fun, with an entrepreneurial spirit that was untapped until earlier this year.

They launched their brainchild, the “Oakley Fancy Flea Market” (O.F.F Market), with the first of four market dates on June 29, 2013. The second one was July 27, third one is coming up on Aug. 31 and the last one of the year is Sept. 28.

“When Nimbus 9 mentioned wanting to do something with their usually empty parking lot, our gears began turning,” recalls Durig. “With flea markets gaining in popularity, our connections to some quite talented artists, and a diverse and growing neighborhood, we thought a market seemed the perfect fit.” Once they got the green light, the black top turned into their platform for The O.F.F Market, and has quickly expanded since.

Shoppers and vendors at the most recent O.F.F. Market

According to Durig, O.F.F. is a hand-picked collection of more than 50 vendors for each market. “You will find a well-balanced mix of antique and vintage dealers, artisans and food and beverage vendors,” she adds. “They are committed to showcasing the most interesting, unusual and funky stuff that Cincinnati has to offer.”

Durig says the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. “We are happy and proud to say that the response from both a vendor standpoint and from the local community has been great,” she explains. “Nearly all of the vendors that participated in the first market have decided to join us for the summer as well as a plethora of newbies every month. We are steadily growing our O.F.F. family of vendors and love the positive attitudes and friendly, unique personalities of each of them. We’ve had a fabulous time getting to know everyone.”

The O.F.F. Markets are free and open to the public from 10am-4pm. The first 200 shoppers receive a goodie bag, so arrive early as they disappear fast,” Durig says. They are currently putting together a winter market series, which will take place indoors at 20th Century Theater. Dates for the winter market and next season’s markets will be announced on their website soon.

To learn more and stay updated, visit their website at www.oakleyfancyflea.com and Facebook page at www.facebook.com/theoffmarket.