The former Silver Tip Net & Gear at mile 6 on K-Beach Rd. has been transformed into the 3B’s Emporium thanks to new entrepreneur Rhonda Byrd. Rhonda and her daughter Nina also run the Byrd’s Best Bean coffee & expresso kiosk right next to the emporium that is open 6:00am to 6:00pm daily and features Kaladi Bros. coffee, fresh bagels and smoothies. “I use to love going to flea markets in the lower 48 with my uncle and I’ve always wanted to have a flea market so when I found the perfect building here in Kasilof I just did it. I started having an indoor garage sale and when folks came in and learned I had booth space for rent it started growing and now we have all kinds of amazing vendors and are open every weekend,” said Byrd.
In one of the booths you’ll find Bill Messer who describes his space as, “A hobby on steroids! That is when 3B’s came to my rescue. All of the rods and reels that I had acquired, cleaned, oiled and repaired over the years are no in perfect condition and available at booth #3. I wanted to offer a good product at a reasonable price. The experience of selling my wares is exceeded only by the joy of meeting people in the area. After I have sold my last piece of merchandise, I will still have stories and memories to cherish for the rest of my life.” At another booth you meet Angela, “We have general house hold items from a crafty home. Many homemade items for that special center piece. Handmade quilts, pillow cases, pot holders and much more. We specialize in alterations, mending and some custom work. We can personalize most items for you as well.” Then there is Sharon who specializes in custom bead work. She does custom orders, and has a huge selection of her work on display. Jewelry, native art and much more. She also has a nice selection of house hold goods and crafts supplies. Wood signs and lamps. At Mary Jane’s booth you’ll find hand crafted colorful glass lamps and window panes as well as a nice selection of fancy dishes and quilts. Then there is Lona’s booth where you find genuine garage sell items, a variety of dishes, toys, furniture, books and more. Richard also brings you the best of garage sale items such as electronics, tools, clothes, and more at his booth. And be sure to come in and see Lucy in the corner! “I display items from Alaska to Africa. I have things to see and much to buy. Chagas tea, dried mushrooms and nic pic by the pound. Come see my 14,000 year old Woolley Mammoth tusk bones and other antiques! Check out my slot machine that works fine, it came out of the Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. But if just want to come in a talk a spell with a nice cup of coffee from Byrd’s Best Beans, then come on by 3B’s Emporium, because you’ll like it!” And at Rhonda’s booth you’ll find an excellent selection of classic DVD’s nicely displayed for only $3.00 bucks each. So if you are or ever were a fan of flea markets in the lower 48, you’ll love the drive down K-Beach Rd. to Mile 6 to experience a great smoothie or cup of coffee and some of the best Alaskans on the Peninsula. The 3B’s Emporium is open every weekend Friday & Saturday 9:00am to 6:00pm and Sunday 12:00noon to 6:00pm. If you’d like to set up your own booth at the 3B’s Emporium just ask for Rhonda or Nina, because she has space available you.