Ten years ago, North Bay residents Angie and Charles Ansanelli launched one of the Bay Area’s largest, most diverse and most popular flea markets, TreasureFest.
Originally named the Treasure Island Flea and renamed TreasureFest in 2016, the event indeed flocked to Treasure Island, connected to San Francisco via the Bay Bridge, for its outings.
For several years, the monthly open-air market drew in-demand indie designers, artists, craft makers, local eateries, musicians and other creatives, along with thousands or shoppers and their dogs to the island.
Last year, the Ansanellis realized the event was outgrowing the island, and were planning to move to Marin County to turn the monthly gathering into a massive annual event that could further showcase art, music, top-rated local eats and other treasures among more than 400 curated vendors selling their goods.
While the 2020 TreasureFest was canceled due to Covid-19, the Ansanellis were able to go online for a virtual market last year.
Now, the in-person event is back on the books for 2021, and North Bay attendees are invited to the Marin Center in San Rafael for the 10th anniversary TreasureFest on September 18-19.
The outdoor event will take over a massive lawn that’s perfect for a picnic or sunbathing, and the two-day showcase will feature live music from popular local acts, mouth-watering local eats, craft brews, wine and cocktails, art installations and live art demonstrations and hundreds of local vendors.
The one-of-a-kind crafts and items that will be available at TreasureFest includes up-cycled furniture, clothes, art and jewelry, and more from both emerging designers and vintage collections.
“We are so excited to bring TreasureFest to Marin,” says Angie Ansanelli. “We have expanded the original concept of TreasureFest to be even more of a premium outdoor festival experience. The 2021 TreasureFest is going to be our best yet and and as always, fun for all ages and well-behaved pooches on leashes!”
“Our goal is to showcase the immense talent found throughout the bar area, connecting the maker or collector directly to the shopper,” Ansanelli says. “This way the shopper not only walks away with a treasure but the story behind it, to share with others for years to come.”
On the TreasureFest website, organizers also note that, “We are relieved and hopeful to see the COVID-19 situation improving across the country but we are still monitoring matters closely. We will follow the recommended health and safety guidelines put forth by the authorities. In the meanwhile, please help us achieve our goals by continuing to wear masks and get vaccinated when it is your turn to do so.”
TreasureFest comes to the North Bay on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 18–19, at Marin Center in San Rafael. 10am to 6pm both days. All ages. Early Bird tickets to the event are sold-out and $15 tickets expire on July 31. Tickets will be $20 on August 1, and $25 at the door. Treasurefest.com.
