The earthy spirit of South Street came to campus Sunday afternoon with the second annual Rotunda Flea Market-A-Thon, which aimed to bring Penn students together with residents of the neighborhood.
Various tables were set up inside the Rotunda -- an arts-and-culture hub located at 4014 Walnut St. Vendors sold everything from homemade body lotions to holiday crafts and the occasional political statement.
Despite the proximity of the Rotunda to the Penn campus, undergrads were few and far between. But still, turnout numbered around 400.
"There were so many people that had never been here before," event spokeswoman Gina Renzi said. "They came because they were interested in a flea market, but by the end they seemed really interested in the Rotunda."
The title of the event was created to invoke the fundraising theme of telethons, Renzi said.
Penn alumna Farrah Parkes, was set up with her fellow venders under the title "Knitters for Choice." Selling homemade knit scarves, hats, gloves and other items, they also featured flyers with information regarding their organization at their table.
"Organization might be a strong word," Parkes said, of the loosely formed group.
The knitting group -- which was founded in late August -- sells their knit products at various craft fairs, donating the money raised to local pro-choice organizations.
Parkes spoke on the group's incentive to come to the flea-market, referring to the low table rent as well as the cause for the Rotunda itself. Knitters for Choice also believed that the crowd would be sympathetic to their cause.
"We heard that last year's event was really good," Parke said. She noted that the day had been successful so far, with good sales in addition to many showing interest in volunteering.
Indeed, politics seemed to mix with crafts seamlessly, with many giving away free buttons regarding veganism and pollution and others selling paintings featuring personal politics.
In addition to the 40 vendors, a stage was set up in front for various musical performances throughout the day. Acoustic singer-songwriters were prevalent, and many sold CDs and t-shirts promoting their work.
Other than a small table selling homemade holiday wreaths outside the entrance to the Rotunda, the only evidence of an event was the steady stream of people coming and going, and the increase of heavily bumper-stickered vehicles parked on the surrounding streets.
Persons of all ages attended, with family groups browsing through stacks of old comic books and homemade jewelry.
Vendors were asked to help promote the event and the turnout spoke to their efforts. The event raised approximately $1,000 for the Rotunda.
The Rotunda offers many free events including musical performances, film screenings and lectures, in addition to youth programs and various classes. The Foundation is responsible for putting together these programs as well as fundraising for the venue.
