Mr. Schmidt is actually a New York resident who speaks with a slight German accent. He mainly sells antiques and comes to the Woodbury Flea Market when the weather is nice.

"I love it here," he said.

The flea market, which takes place every Saturday at 40 Sherman Hill Rd., is open nearly year-round.

Gus Kaloidis, proprietor of the flea market, said that as long as vendors book booths, the flea market opens.

Sequined purses with a 1940s flair sparkled in the sun on a recent visit. Paintings of provincial scenes contrasted with shiny candelabras.

The conversations among vendors and shoppers ranged from the items on the tables to the pollen that drifted down from a tree, sometimes so plentiful that it looked like snow.

Mr. Kaloidis is used to operating the flea market in all kinds of weather.

"Last year, I was operating the flea market with snow on the ground," he said.

Vendor Mr. Schmidt is an interior decorator and the display at the front of his space is indicative of the profession. A round, glass table top is the first part of an unusual coffee table. Its base is a replica of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

Mr. Schmidt placed the Arc de Triomphe coffee table on top of another table, so it was at eye level for passers-by. A mirror on top of the coffee table reflected the blue sky and clouds up above. At the base of the table, gold candlesticks drew the eye.

"I set up displays that people will recognize, like with the Arc de Triomphe," said Mr. Schmidt. "It attracts people."

He said it catches people's eye, as they perhaps remember a trip to Paris.

If conversation pieces like the Arc de Triomphe do not catch people's eye, a giant toothbrush on the roof of his car usually does the trick. Another of his unusual pieces is a travel harmonium from India.

"You need something to get away from the average," said Mr. Schmidt.

When flea-market foragers first enter the grounds at the Woodbury Flea Market, one of the first vendors they see has offerings from Mother Nature - larkspur, bleeding hearts and creeping phlox are just some of the natural wonders from The Farm, operated by Mike Berecz.

Mr. Berecz said he does not have a retail operation at his nursery, so the Woodbury Flea Market is his only retail location. "It's quaint and local," he said.

Vendor Tim Lapierre of Bristol feels the same way about the Woodbury Flea Market. "People here are very nice," he said. "They have a good attitude here."

Like all businesses, flea markets have altered due to the economic times. Mr. Lapierre has been roaming the flea market circuit for 35 years and has seen changes.

"Today, with the economy the way it is, people are asking about dishes, eating utensils, clothing and other household necessities," he said.

The Woodbury Flea Market is no different. Some vendors sell everyday items, like shampoo, soap and cleaning supplies.

Change is integral to the flea market business. "Changing your stock is very important in the business," said Mr. Lapierre. "People come back to your table if you do that."

Mr. Lapierre said that during any given weekend, there could be at least 25 flea markets taking place.

"We travel a circuit, flea market dealers," he said. "We're like nomads."

Many flea market dealers know each other from the nomadic paths and become part of a community, said Mr. Lapierre.

Bruce Martin of Martin's Furnishing is part of the flea market community. He showcases his custom-made, rustic furniture at the Woodbury Flea Market. He said he loves woodworking and finds it both relaxing and challenging.

Mr. Martin works with woods like white and black birch, oak and poplar. He said he makes furniture all winter long and sells his wares at flea markets once the weather turns nice.

Weldon Smith, who came to the flea market from Pennsylvania, sells a variety of eclectic pieces. One of the most interesting pieces at his table was a large traffic light, that he said could easily be turned into a floor lamp.

Artist and vendor Chuck Urban has been painting since age 7, and adds his flavor to the pieces he sells. A plain mirror now has a painted, accented border of the four seasons.

A snowy scene, spring flowers in bloom, pansies softening a stone wall and trees showing the first touch of autumn show New England seasons in splendor.

Mr. Urban said his wife usually finds pieces, such as tables, and he adds his artist's touch. A wooden tabletop featured a painted pair of glasses and a painted copy of the Holy Bible.

Next to those, Mr. Urban had painted a fountain pen and a note, with his thoughts on humans and spirituality.

Other paintings by Mr. Urban featured provincial scenes, farm animals and flowers.

From pearls to parrot pins - the jewelry vendors at the Woodbury Flea Market offer a plethora of pieces to choose from.

Peggy McFarland of Square Peg's Vintage Costume Jewelry has necklaces, rings and cufflinks, to name just some of the items for sale.

Ms. McFarland sells her vintage jewelry at Wishing Well, a gift shop located at 5A Glen Rd., Sandy Hook. She has been selling jewelry for 10 years. Prior to that, she sold pottery and clothing.

One of her favorite pieces is called a night and day pin. By moving a small latch located on the pin, the golden-hued petals of a flower opened and closed.

The Woodbury Flea Market offers a range of interesting items, from original artwork to antiques to household goods. The flea market sets itself apart from other markets, with its quaintness and community atmosphere.

Hours of operation are 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday.

Those seeking additional information may call 203-263-6217 or e-mail thenewwoodburyfleamarket@gmail.com.