San Jose Flea Market

George Bumb created the idea of the San Jose Flea Market in 1959, while working at a solid waste and landfill business. He was trying to find a way to keep the perfectly usable items from ending up in the landfill. He'd also heard about swap meet successes. It took a bit of time but George was able to come up with the San Jose Flea Market as a way to sell products at discount prices that were still in great shape. In March 1960 with a small investment George opened the market at Berryessa Road. The market has been in business for 50 years providing fresh produce, entertainment, tools, household items, and many other services.

The flea market sees 4 million people each year. It has also expanded to 120 acres of land for the market. The farmer's market section is a quarter mile long. On weekends about 500 employees and 6000 vendors appear at the market. There are roughly 30 snack carts, and 60 smaller food carts. FunZone offers a Ferris Wheel, bounce houses, and a merry-go-round for children. From the small 20 vendor Flea Market and 100 customers of 1960, the San Jose Flea Market has grown to a California icon.