Boatnerd Discussion Forum

I recall being told the old venue in Port Huron was no longer available. I forget if it was too expensive to rent, or if it was being used for another purpose. In any event, returning there isn't an option.

I consider the St. Clair Marine Mart to be an event I look forward to every year. In my opinion it has a nice variety of vendors offering artwork, photos, books and an impressive amount of artifacts. I believe it has grown nicely in the last few years.

I recall one year in the late 2000s when it was in Port Huron and at the time Capt. Eric Treece of the Ryerson now on the Sykes stopped by for a visit. The point is, I saw a vendor that was selling old CSL ship hats so I started to glance at them. Before I realized it, another customer that was standing next to me purchased them all. I was so shocked by this that I couldn’t believe how fast it happened! Needless to say since then I’ve never seen any CSL ship hats at a show which is a shame as they were always nice looking hats. I don’t recall the last time I went to the Marine Mart but, was very disappointed they didn’t have more items to choose from! It seems that all I got was a few Lakeboat books and that was about it not too much. One year I got some old hats which I hardly seldom wear or use these days. When it was in Port Huron, I purchased a few 4 X 6 size photos many were Salties. Now I figure if I want to see a ship photo bad enough, just go online and do a search of it and you can find tons of images for free that way at least. Just my opinion only. Maybe what attract more visitors and something to consider is to try and have some book authors available to sign their books. It seems that when they’re held in the Spring or late Fall, sometimes the weather is bad and that might prevent some from getting out. I for one would go for a Marine Mart and a book event like at the Maritime Center in the Spring and Fall but, try to do it in the summer in June when the weather is better and warmer. Just a thought and an idea on my part only here.

IF the Marine Flea Market 'would be moved back to Port Huron where it originally was', the turnout of vendors and people coming through it "as in past year's", it would worth while for "people to come" and also for vendors to come (especially from any distance) otherwise it just isn't 'profitable for both vendors or buyer's.

The Marine Mart is a modest affair, not worth the drive from Buffalo in my opinion. The entire show can be gone through in an hour. But you never know when that nautical item that you've been looking for will show up. Hope that helps.

How big is the Marine Mart Flea Market? Would there be vendors available from whom I might be able to purchase pictures of freighters? I am trying to decide if it is worthwhile to drive there from Buffalo.

36th Annual
Marine Memorabilia Flea Market

Saturday, June 8, 2019, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Riverview Plaza, St. St. Clair, Michigan

Has anyone heard if the marine mart is going to happen again this year in St. Clair in April? If so do we have a date for it yet?