From the practical to the whimsical, treasures of all types can be found at the flea market. (File photos by Lisa Aciukewicz)

Normally falling on Columbus Day weekend, the League of Women Voters of Harvard and the Harvard Schools Trust, which co-sponsor the flea market, decided to hold it a week later this year, on Saturday, Oct. 15, so as not to conflict with the Jewish observance of Yom Kippur.

"We decided that to be sensitive to members of our community," said Chrissy Yoo, who is co-chairing the event on behalf of the League of Women Voters. The other co-chair, representing the Harvard Schools Trust, is Steve Finnegan.

Although, Yoo admitted, some flea market stalwarts showed up last weekend anyway, she's confident they will return for the real date on Saturday.

Saturday will be the flea market's 40th anniversary. The first event was in 1972, when it was sponsored solely by the League of Women Voters. In the 1980s, the Harvard Conservation Trust came on board, and was replaced by the Harvard Schools Trust in 2009.

Last year was "one of our most successful years" at the flea market, Yoo said. She didn't know exactly how much money the event raised for the League of Women Voters and the Schools Trust, but the Press reported in 2010 that the 2009 flea market raised $15,000.

"Because it brings together so many different people from the community, it can't help but be a success," she said.

About 170 vendors will be selling their wares Saturday. A few booths were still available as of Monday, Yoo said, and those interested in reserving one last-minute can do so through the website, www.harvardfleamarket.com.

As for the selection at the flea market, "You name it, it's going to be there," Yoo said. Items will include antiques and collectibles, dishes and housewares, toys, furniture, clothing, and plenty more from vendors all over New England.

A young shopper at last year’s flea market.

"There's a lot of stuff, an unbelievable quantity of things," Yoo said. "There's also a lot of good food as well."

The Harvard Flea Market will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 15 on the grounds of the Bromfield School, 14 Massachusetts Ave. In case of bad weather, an alternate date is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 16. Admission is $3 for adults under 65, $1 for ages 6 to 12 or 65 and older.

Early birds may start their shopping before 9 a.m. for $5, but those who arrive later needn't worry they'll miss the deals.

"There's more than enough for everyone," Yoo said.

The Harvard Flea Market will run concurrently with the Harvard Congregational Church's annual Apple Festival, which will once again offer apple pie slices, whole pies, soup, cider, and other food on the common from 10 a.m. until it sells out.