By BEKAH DEMORDAUNT

Since the closing of Coal Umbrella, once Provo’s go-to vintage thrift store, vintage merchandise has become even more rare. However, this weekend students can find loads of hand-picked vintage merchandise while enjoying live music and art during the Gallery Stroll.

Today and Saturday the third Velour Flea Market will be held at Velour Live Music Gallery in Provo, located at 135 N. University Ave. The flea market will feature men’s and women’s vintage clothing, modern furniture, home decor and deadstock jewelry.

“All of the items you will find at the flea market are hand-picked items we find through the Internet and thrift shopping,” said Corey Fox, owner of Velour and a contributing private collector.

The Velour Flea Market evolved from a buying trip for Coal Umbrella to the Pasadena Flea Market, which is said to be the largest flea market in the world.

“Being there, we decided it would be fun to do a mini-flea market comprised of our own personal collections and include the extra stock that Coal Umbrella has,” Fox said.

“Because all of the merchandise at the market is coming from private collectors and vintage retailers, the items you will find at the flea market are all hand-selected items you would find at high-end vintage boutiques,” said Kaneishcah Johnson, one of the flea market organizers.  

The flea market will take place in conjunction with the Provo Gallery Stroll tonight.

“To contribute to the other shows during the stroll, Velour will be featuring several paintings by local artist Byron Stout, with a silent auction available to those that are interested in purchasing his pieces,” Johnson said.

Popular local musicians will also be performing acoustic sets along the streets of downtown Provo during the Gallery Stroll.

The flea market will be held today from noon to midnight and Saturday from noon to 4 p.m., with cash purchases only. Organizers of the flea market are asking attendees to only park on the street near Velour or in the Wells Fargo building public parking garage. For more information visit the Facebook event “Vintage Flea Market at Velour.”