Yellowknife (July 02/03) - Ever wonder what to get the person who has everything? How about a Christmas wreath made out of punchinello? (For non-craft enthusiasts punchinello is essentially a plastic sheet full of holes).

Karen Sunderland said her best sellers were electronics. - NNSL photo

That was just one of the many unusual things for sale at the Lions Club's first flea market, held Sunday at the Yellowknife Arena.

The swap meet was part of the Lions Club's 21st annual truck raffle and fundraiser.

"This is just something new we thought we'd try," said Lions Club vice president Tim Jaworski.

Even though fewer sellers than expected showed up, those who were there found business pretty good.

"So far I've made around $300," said Karen Sunderland, who created the punchinello wreath. "This is an ideal location to have an event like this."

Sunderland, who shared a table with her mother Marnie Morrison, said her best sellers were electronics.

"We had things like vacuum cleaners, a telephone and fax machine that all went early," said Sunderland.

Other sellers seized the opportunity to clear some space. "We have three kids so our house is full of toys," said Ed Hardy.

"We're turning the playroom into a bedroom, so we needed to get rid of some of the stuff.

Hardy's wife, Jackie, begrudgingly sold her collection of Beannie babies, which were among the hottest items at the sale.

"It's time to let them go," she said.

Homemade crafts were also strong sellers according to Denyse Kultesa. "I usually just make crafts for my friends but I decided to come here today and see if I could sell some. It's been good so far," she said.

Jaworksi was pleased with the first edition of the flea market, but hoped there would be more sellers next year.

"It wasn't too bad, but unfortunately some people cancelled at the last minute," he said.

"We'll try to get more next year."

Who knows, if the dump is closed to salvagers, flea markets may be the next big thing in Yellowknife.