Is The Alamo Square Flea Market Outdated?

The Alamo Square Flea Market has been an annual summer tradition for 30 years, but now that tradition may be in jeopardy.

Leah Garchik of the Chronicle reported earlier this week that some Alamo Squarites think the Flea Market no longer fits the neighborhood. The most recent Alamo Square Neighborhood Association newsletter cites a "small but vocal group" of unnamed residents as wanting to cancel the event and replace it with something more "upscale."

"A small but vocal group of neighbors have asked the ASNA Board to consider making changes to the event, or even considering doing without the annual Flea Market altogether... "The neighbors have requested that, aside from canceling the Flea Market, we consider creating a more 'upscale' event to match the new character of the neighborhood."

Alamo Square is flanked on the west and east by Divisadero and Hayes Valley, both of which have undeniably gotten more "upscale" of late, and on the north and south by the Western Addition and Lower Haight, which have arguably gentrified a bit more slowly. So yes, the area has changed since the early '80s. But has it changed so much that a flea market no longer fits the character of the neighborhood? Let us know what you think. In the meantime, this year's flea market is still scheduled for Saturday, August 17th. If that should change, we'll let you know. Thanks to reader Damon U. for the tip.