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Some of theitems availableat the DaniaFlea Market:A wheel, ship’slife preservers,heavy dutyanchors, oldwooden blocksfor yourschooner,glass, fishingnet balls, evenstarfish.A great variety of small outboards for your dinghy are availableat the flea market.25 years thinks it has suffered over the last three years,attributing this directly to switching locations. DeborahBliss, Novel Distributors, Big Pine Key, another long-timeexhibitor, generally happy with this year’s show, agreed itwas better in Dania.Gary Rogers who buys and sells used marine stuff ofall sorts said, nostalgically, “We all love this show and wantit to continue. I’ve had the same space for 10 years. I knowmy neighbor’s kids and have watched them grow up. Butshow management has to do more than just wishing thatwith some magic the show will get better.”“Could be the weather, could be the economy. We’ll geta decent return on our investment, but this year’s showdoes seem slow,” said an electronics distributor. Anotherexhibitor told us he prefers Dolphin Stadium but lamentsthat more buyers don’t know about it or are hesitant todrive to Miami.While General Manager Jennifer Dudas knows manyvendors are satisfied with the new venue even she admits,“Change is hard. Our goal now is to get the word out sopeople realize that while the show is in Miami, it’s reallynot in Miami. It’s so easy to get here, get in and get out.People don’t realize just how easy it is.”Dudas makes a good point. Dolphin Stadium is lessthan two miles south of the Broward line and actually hasits own exit off the Florida Turnpike. The stadium loomslarge in front of you as you exit leaving literally no chanceof mistaking where to go. Facilities, incidentally, are cleanand convenient for those who want to bring the whole family,and parking is definitely better.“Every time it rained in Dania,” said Dudas, “the parkinglot flooded. Attendance may have been off Thursday dueto the weather, but otherwise it is on par with last year’sshow. Perko is here. Dusky and Raritan are here and WestMarine always does our show. Boat Owners Warehouse andJerry’s Marine are some of the other larger ones.“The show is usually held at the end of March. WithEaster early, the Marlins starting early and the Palm BeachBoat Show, we had no choice but early March.” Next year’sdates have not been announced. For show information, go towww.daniamarinefleamarket.com, or call (800) 275-2260.News & Views for Southern Sailors SOUTHWINDS April 2008 43