Star Lite Swap Meet: A Local Flea Market in Lakewood

Many local couples and families make a day out of bargain shopping at the Star Lite.

 

By Shelby Taylor

When driving on South 84th Street in Lakewood, the Star Lite Swap Meet is hard to miss. A large red building with an equally large white star towers over the parking lot of what used to be a drive-in movie theater. A dollar is all that’s needed for entrance into this bargain hunter’s paradise.

Inside is all sorts of fun finds. You name it, Star Lite probably has it at a discounted price.
Inside is all sorts of fun finds. You name it, Star Lite probably has it at a discounted price.

The Feel
A trip to the Star Lite isn’t without a hint of Latin culture, making the outing all the more memorable. Snatches of Mexican music drift in and out as one makes their way from vendor-to-vendor. Candies and snack foods with names unfamiliar cause small children to point and tug on their parent’s arms — a sweet tooth is truly universal. A soon-to-be 15-year-old girl can have her pick of voluminous Quinceañera dresses and tiaras.

Also of note is that Star Lite merchants are of the friendly variety, never getting in a potential buyer’s face. Rather, they stay toward the back of the booth, letting the buyer-to-be approach with any questions. Swapping, bartering and buying are all encouraged.

Clothing
Looking to add a little something extra to your wardrobe? Star Lite has you covered whether you’re looking for a night on the town, wanting to show your Seahawks pride, or are in search of the perfect boot.

Short, short club dresses and sheer tops stand out on snow white mannequins, and are definite attention grabbers. Pair the latter with a heavily embellished pair of jeans if wanting to go all out.

Hawks fever has once again taken over Washington (rightfully so), and ball caps with the home team insignia aren’t hard to find. Tees screen printed with the Seahawk and CenturyLink stadium are also widely available, and largely emphasize neon green, making for one of a kind, homebrewed gear.

Cactus is one of the more unique items for sale.
Cactus is one of the more unique items for sale.

If it’s the country life for you, your heart will sing at the aisle upon aisle of cowboy boots in every color of the rainbow. Wafts of leather really sell the Western vibe some of the booths are going for — there’s even a deer head protruding from one — and fringed pieces and wide-brimmed hats can be purchased, as well.

Electronics
In the mix is a good number of electronics vendors, from colorful cell phone case hawkers to a wall-to-wall DVD shop. Outside, one tent houses nothing but speakers of all sizes, which boom out a medley of tunes to the passersby.

Perhaps getting the most visits are those who entice with old school games and consoles. The game booths have aficionados rummaging through bins, seeking out the classics. Sure, prices for popular titles like Super Mario may run a bit higher than what one could find for sale online, but there are the rare treasures, and that possibility makes it all the more fun.

Home
By this point, you’re probably getting the picture that: If you can imagine it, it’s probably for sale. One shouldn’t be amazed to see mattresses all in a row outside, seemingly begging to be laid on. Unfurled carpets hang for all to see, while other vendors’ walls are completely covered in artwork.

Religious paintings and heavily gilded Jesus and Virgin Mary figurines are also given quite a bit of space, bringing a dose of spirituality to that which is being offered.

Many local couples and families make a day out of bargain shopping at the Star Lite.
Many local couples and families make a day out of bargain shopping at the Star Lite.

Fresh cut flowers dot a few of the booths outside, inviting the browser to take in, and, perhaps, even buy up a bit of nature for oneself. The bouquets appear to be a bit on the pricier side, but arrangements are what one would expect of any florist.

Specialty Services
Perhaps most surprising in the rows of merchants selling goods is the two purely service-oriented shops — a beauty salon and an underground tattoo parlor. While the tattoo and piercing booth wasn’t seeing much business on a Sunday afternoon, the beauty salon was filled to capacity, with hairdressers and customers engaged in a lively conversation. Even if not tempted by Star Lite’s services/wares, there’s no denying the swap meet’s prime opportunity for people watching.

Miscellaneous
Now we get to the really fun and funky. Machetes and knives? Check. Mechanical bull rides? Yup, one outside vendor was featuring just that, which was a definite favorite of the younger swap meeters. Cactus was also up for grabs at one of the more food focused booths, giving off a particular aroma that wasn’t at all unpleasant. Oh, and a heaping pile of naked Barbie dolls could apparently be yours, though what purpose they could serve is beyond me.

The Star Lite Swap Meet is located at 8327 S Tacoma Way in Lakewood.
The Star Lite Swap Meet is located at 8327 S Tacoma Way in Lakewood.

It’s all there at the Star Lite Swap Meet. Come shop or take in the many sights, sounds and smells, open 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Tuesday through Friday, and 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. In warmer months, vendors spill onto the lawn, with outdoor space open to the general public from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. More general information can be found by visiting Star Lite’s website here.

Star Lite Swap Meet
8327 S Tacoma Way
Lakewood, WA 98499
253-588-8090
www.starliteswapmeet.com