Tranquility and music was heard through the Fullerton Arboretum as Event Planning and Management (COMM 497T) students at Cal State Fullerton put together the Secret Garden Earth Day Flea Market last Wednesday.
The Secret Garden Earth Day Flea Market showcases local and student vendors. The flea market promotes eco-friendly and sustainable products, as well as promoting the arboretum for more potential visitors.
The arboretum brings a sense of peacefulness, making up about 26 acres of land behind campus. Students were surrounded by many trees and plants, contributing to the garden theme.
The flea market is considered one of the arboretum’s most successful events, bringing significance for the Fullerton community and everyone together for an active afternoon.
“We got feedback from the arboretum that they really liked the event,” said Jasmine Phillips, associate professor of Event Planning and Management. “No other event brings as many students to the arboretum as this one.”
Students were able to sign up to volunteer for the event, creating a space to engage with each other.
“It’s great to be able to get out of your shell and be able to come here,” said Rachel Emard, a third-year public relations major and volunteer manager of the event. “I know we have a volunteer that just signed up to be able to make more connections.”
Plant shopping, rock painting and bouquet-making were among the offered festivities, as well as complimentary food and beverages. Students also got to enjoy live music from artists in collaboration with Titan Radio.
While the arboretum itself gains a lot of new visitors because of this event, the community learns more about the arboretum, bringing the idea of the “secret garden.”
“Not a whole lot of students at the university, even if they’re seniors, know about the arboretum or the opportunities that exist here,” said Justin Villasenor, the academic and environmental program coordinator of the Fullerton Arboretum. “The idea was to bring students here and have them discover this secret garden.”
Vendors are also given the opportunity to grow and connect with individuals interested in buying their products at the flea market. One of the small businesses featured at the flea market was the Bee Ladies, who sell locally-sourced honey.
“We normally sell at farmer’s markets, which is more agriculture-focused,” said Lauren Delfin, an employee of Bee Ladies. “Here, we’re able to connect more with some of the craft vendors.”
The flea market thrived throughout the day, with students actively participating in activities, as well as enjoying a walk through the garden. The event shows more appreciation towards the arboretum, giving it the chance to gain more visitors and learn more about nature.
“I enjoy seeing everyone being together and seeing the art that everyone can come up with,” said Fiona Keaney, a fourth-year computer science major. “Everyone can connect in a larger way that’s not specific to our colleges or even to just us as individuals, but more as a university as a whole.”