Food trucks, artisan goods featured at inaugural Sioux Falls Latino flea market

Find your favorite Latino food and artisan goods from 30 vendors at a flea market in western Sioux Falls this weekend.

The South Dakota Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will hold the flea market, or “pulga” in Spanish, from noon to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday at The Point is to Serve church, 506 N. Kiwanis Ave.

Esmeralda Guevara and Aisxlyn Rangel model for Yesenia’s Acesorios Mexicanos.

The largest number of vendors center around food, said Chamber President Selene Zamorano-Ochoa, adding that there will be food trucks and vendors featuring Mexican, Honduran, Salvadoran, Colombian and Guatemalan dishes.

The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, which started in 2021, formed to support Spanish-speaking businesses in Sioux Falls and South Dakota. While there are about 30 members in the chamber, there are many more businesses run by Hispanic residents throughout the state.

Zamorano-Ochoa said it’s important to offer resources and education to Hispanic business owners in their native language.

Ana Garcia, owner of Los Rojas de Guerreo, will serve food at the flea market this weekend.

“When you come from a different country, you have no idea that you might open your own business,” Zamorano-Ochoa said. “You might have been an attorney or doctor back home, but because of language barriers or your status, you’re not able to continue your profession in the U.S. and can’t compete with the workforce because of other barriers. To still bring money home for rent, bills and feeding your family, you have to start your own business.”

Elizabeth Jeronimo, owner of Tipicos Elizabeth, weaves a piece for her business.

The flea market will help spread awareness about not only the chamber, but also showcase the businesses involved as well.

Some businesses selling at the flea market include food vendors such as The Original Corn Pie, which sells corn-based desserts and snacks, and La Sabrosita, a new business selling Mexican and Honduran dishes, such as nachos and “crazy pineapples,” which are pineapples filled with other fruits, candies and hot sauce. Other vendors include artisan goods, such as bags, jewelry and clothing, or businesses selling beauty products.

Zamorano-Ochoa said she hopes to make the flea market an annual event.