WEBSTER FLEA MARKETS

The Webster flea markets and farmer's market are located in the small Central Florida town of the same name.

Webster Flea Market Gospel Train

Webster is a very quiet little place except for Mondays.  That is the only day the markets are open.  

That anomaly goes back to the "blue laws" which dominated most rural Florida counties back in the bad old days of the Great Depression. 

One of those laws kept people from doing business on Sunday, so the good ole boys of the area shifted their farmer's market to Monday.

Oranges at Webster Flea Markets
Flickr/Bunny & Norm Lenburg

WEBSTER FLEA MARKETS BUSIEST IN WINTER

During the peak of the winter season, when all of the snowbirds have come down to Florida for the winter, the flea and farmer markets are so busy you have to search awhile for a parking space. 

It's estimated that as many as 4,000 dealers are set up on the site, and they receive 100,000 shoppers.

Not nearly as many dealers set up during the hot Florida summers.  I made a recent visit in July.  I think there were only 400-500 dealers set up. 

Things I saw being sold were tools, hats, towels, sheets, body lotion, watches, jewelry, perfume, dogs (Yorkies, Chihuahuas and other tiny breeds).

There were also rabbits, knives, shirts, dresses and assorted products that reminded me of the offerings in a Dollar store. 

Webster Flea Market Shoppers
Flickr/Bunny & Norm Lenburg

A few antiques were displayed here and there, but the biggest antique offerings take place in the cooler winter months.

Webster Flea Market Produce
Flickr/Bunny & Norm Lenburg

The Farmer's market had lots of beautiful tomatoes, onions, peppers, squash, melons, oranges, tangerines and just about anything else that grows in Florida. 

There was a large selection of house plants and even citrus trees.

Webster Flea Market Mannequins
Photographic Destinations by Bob Kyle

There are several Webster flea markets.  The biggest one by far is the Webster Westside Flea Market.  It is said it's the oldest and biggest flea market in Florida.

Webster Flea Market
Photographic Destinations by Bob Kyle

The Sumter County Farmer's Market is across the street just east of the Westside market.  There are also a couple of other open shed type flea markets on the same side as the Farmer's Market.

I have found you can park in any of the lots and easily walk around to visit all of the markets. They are all located in one big open field with many of the vendors set up in the shade of big open sheds.

There are many concession stands located all over the flea market grounds.  You can find hot dogs, hamburgers, kettle corn, peanuts, sandwiches, soft drinks and a lot of other offerings to please the palate.

Mural Sign on Wall of a Building in Webster

The town of Webster is very tiny, maybe a few hundred people, so there are only a few shops and restaurants outside of the flea market grounds. 

Buildings in Downtown Webster

DIRECTIONS TO WEBSTER, FLORIDA

Webster is located just off Exit 309 on I-75.  It is located between two major north-south Florida back roads:  US-27 and US-301. 

County Road 471 is a north-south route through town, and State Road 50 is just south of town. 

It is an easy town to find once you know where to look.  The Webster flea markets are on CR-471 right in the middle of town.

The Webster Westside flea market hours set the pace for the entire operation.  The market is open from 600 am to 200 pm.

Webster Westside Flea Market Website