Wei Jie

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AN open community space in Shekou bustled with a flea market event marking Earth Day on Saturday. Around 30 booths operated by local and expat residents sold second-hand products like toys and books, as well as hand-made creative items, attracting a large crowd. Earth Day falls on tomorrow.

The flea market was organized by the Shekou Management and Service Center for Expats (Shekou MSCE) with the aim of promoting public awareness of environmental issues while strengthening community connections, according to Nicole Tao, vice director of the Shekou MSCE.

Abigail Evelynede, a teacher at Shenwai International School from the U.K., ran a booth that attracted quite a few people who browsed neatly categorized goods like small child’s jumpsuits, dresses, tops, and toys. “They are given out for free,” she told people browsing her items. Some thanked her and left with a piece or two they liked, while others hesitated.

“People might not be accustomed to receiving free things from someone they don’t know,” she said.

Evelynede told Shenzhen Daily that she had brought various items no longer needed by her family, including clothes and curtains. “The idea of swapping or selling items you no longer need is great,” she said.

Illustrated books for young children were among the most popular products at the market. “We’ve sold about 70 books in less than two hours,” said a father surnamed Wang. He brought a whole suitcase full of children’s books that belonged to his daughter, who attends a local Korean school in Shekou, along with another suitcase filled with toys and other everyday items for the flea market.

Hattie Gordon’s handmade earrings and rings with vibrant colors and innovative designs drew the attention of many young people. Gordon, from the U.K., started making polyester earrings as a hobby four years ago and gradually developed the hobby into a small business. Some expats even came to the flea market specifically to buy her jewelry.

Adding to the event’s atmosphere was a mini percussion concert hosted by Mark Ayos, a percussion musician from the Philippines.

“This is a new attempt, and we want to see how it goes,” said Rita Yang, director the Shekou MSCE. “We hope to make it a signature weekend cultural and leisure event in Shekou, hosting regular weekend activities here.”

Ayos’ experimental percussion concert turned out a success, beginning with 10 expats participating and growing to over two dozen by the second hour. Shenzhen-based American musician Don Rechtman also improvised by singing a Chinese song, earning enthusiastic applause from the crowd.