By PJ Parker.

For more than 40 years, the first Saturday in May has marked the annual spring flea market at Somerset Presbyterian Church, on John F. Kennedy Boulevard.

According to Barbara Nicol, chairperson of the event, “over 70 vendors from Franklin Township as well as surrounding communities and as far as New York and Pennsylvania set up their tables, stands and displays to create a feast of variety for the avid flea marketer.”

Yvonne Ceaser, chairperson of the event’s food table, said the church supplies refreshments such as hot dogs and homemade baked goods. Applebee’s in Piscataway, under the direction of manager Hercules Papadogiannis, donates wings, barbecued chicken, cole slaw and rolls.

Several Boy Scouts from Franklin Township Troop 113 as well as Girl Scouts from the community and youth from the church are always on hand to set up, carry and break down the event.

“We have so much here from jewelry, clothing and shoes, to pottery, crystal, gadgets games, furniture and collectibles,” Nicol said. “There’s something for everybody. The vendors love it.”

“And they have formed friendships they have built for so many years, most of them return every single year,” she said.

“It’s outdoors, it’s a lot of work, but it’s a lot of fun,” Nicol said.