Shoppers and student vendors filled all three lobbies of Lawrence Hall, transforming it from a typically vacant point of transit between classes to a bustling marketplace mirroring the Strip District on a Sunday morning.

The Bison flea gathered 16 student vendors and as many student shoppers who would fit on Friday, Nov 7.

Some vendors set up sprawling displays of homemade art, accessories and jewelry. Most propped up tall racks stuffed with sweaters and dresses and sat behind tables housing rows of folded jeans.

Sabrina Carpenter’s sophomore project, “Man’s Best Friend,” blasted through the speakers.

“By 5:30 p.m., it was elbow to elbow, shoulder to shoulder,” Aiden Lacey, founder and event manager of Bison Flea and vice president of Bison Exchange, said.

Inspired by his sister who re-sells vintage clothes, Lacey started Bison Flea when he was a freshman. Now a junior, Lacey said the event is bigger than it ever has been.

“It has been really rewarding to see this amount of turnout,” Lacey said.

Lacey said his major, event management and marketing, has prepared him for running a gathering of this scale, despite possible challenges.

“It’s scary to put yourself and 16 other people out there,” Lacey said. “There’s always the fear that no one is going to show up.”

Lacey credits his colleagues at the Bison Exchange with helping Bison Flea establish itself.

“Starting as a freshman, there was a lot of working with and leaning on the leaders around me who were a part of the Bison Exchange,” Lacey said.

In years past, the flea market took place in Lawrence Hall 200. The new space in Lawrence Hall’s lobby is a noticeable upgrade, Lainey Cowling, the president of the Bison Exchange, said.

“I love this space,” Cowling said. “The flow is better.”

Returning student vendor Frank Aldridge agreed.

“I love experiences like this because it gives you an idea of how big the school can be,” said Aldridge.

This is Aldridge’s third Bison Flea, and she doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon.

“I love clothes so much, but I can’t keep them all,” said Aldridge, who dug through her own collection for pieces to sell.

Aldridge said she lost count of how many items she sold.

All 16 vendors at the Bison Flea are Point Park students, and they take home all the money they make from the event.

“It’s a win-win,” Cowling said.

Despite the success of a crowded lobby, Lacey remembers what matters most.

“I try to remind myself that the purpose of this event isn’t to make a huge income or have a huge turnout,” Lacy said. “It’s for students to be able to have these experiences.”

Among his many titles, Lacey also runs the Bison Exchange Instagram account, where vendor applications opened a month prior to the event.

“Expect more flea markets this semester,” Lacey said. “All students are welcome to apply.”