Beaumont Outdoor Market Vendors Preparing for Christmas Shoppers

More than 100 vendors set up tables, tarps and tents Wednesday to sell their wares at the Beaumont Outdoor Market & Swap Meet on East 6th Street.

The manager of the market said he's noticed an increase in vendors since early November, thanks in part to the coming Christmas shopping season.

"There's always an increase around Christmas season, because here you can find the cheapest stuff known to man," manager Brian Redd of Yucaipa said Wednesday outside a trailer at the market.

Locals and visitors Wednesday were selling everything from Banning-made honey to fresh produce, hand-made tamales and Raiders headgear.

"A lot of it is new and can be used as any other good quality item you'll find in any store," Redd said.

Redd works for R.G. Canning Attractions, of Maywood and Beaumont. The business also runs swap meets at the Rose Bowl, in Ventura, and in San Bernardino, Redd said.

"Swap meets are very popular with the economy the way it is right now," he said. "This one's been here almost 40 years. We're coming up on our second year taking it over."

Redd estimated there were about 160 vendors at the market before noon Wednesday, an increase of 20 to 30 vendors on typical market days since early November.

Vendors Victor Marquez, 58, of Beaumont, and Jacinto Gonzalez, 55, of Perris, killed time between customers singing traditional Mexican songs including "Ay Cocula."

The Beaumont Outdoor Market & Swap Meet is scheduled to open 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Customer admission is 50 cents. Vendor fees range from $15 and $20 on Fridays to $30 and $45 on Sundays. For more information, visit www.rgcshows.com.