MISSION VIEJO : Outdoor Market a Hit With Shoppers

Looking like a miniature version of the mammoth swap meet long held at the Orange County Fairgrounds, the Saddleback Outdoor Market was praised by several people looking for Christmas gifts Saturday morning.

“I love swap meets and I didn’t like having to drive 30 miles to the nearest ones,” said Estelle Rogers of Laguna Niguel while holding a bag of onion bagels and several brightly illustrated Christmas T-shirts. “They’ve got some really nice things here.”

The Saddleback Outdoor Market made its debut last month after Saddleback College officials and market organizers spent nearly a year trying to get city permits. It is the only swap meet in South County.

A previous attempt to open a swap meet failed in 1989. Everyone connected with the latest attempt is eager to avoid past mistakes.

“I think we’ve answered all of the questions about us,” Saddleback Outdoor Market President Sam Marcus said. “We’ve drawn 20,000 shoppers the first four weekends, many from outside Mission Viejo. It’s been able to work because it’s unique--there’s nothing like this between Costa Mesa and San Diego.”

The marketplace has averaged about 200 vendors each weekend. A small percentage are people trying to clean out their garages. The majority of stalls are run by small businesses and artisans.

Marcus said an effort has been made to attract artisans who sell their wares at such well-known fairs as Laguna Beach’s Sawdust Festival.

“Our biggest challenge has been to break through and let people know we’re open, because shopper habits are hard to break,” Marcus said. “We’re trying to be something between the Sawdust Festival and a swap meet by attracting high quality merchants who can sell at swap meet prices.”

Located at the northwest corner of the campus, the swap meet has the benefits of plentiful parking spaces and no charge for admission. In addition to the merchandise booths, there is a row of food booths selling refreshments ranging from hot dogs to cappuccino.

Marcus plans to provide regular entertainment, including performances by college bands and chorale groups. But the goal for most of those attending the swap meet was getting a good deal.

“I think I made out pretty good,” said Jeanette Stephens, proudly displaying a pair of new jeans and boots. “I got both of these for $40. Can’t do that in a department store.”