Houzz Happening Now: The Brimfield Antique Show
http://www.decor-ideas.org 07/14/2015 03:13 Decor Ideas
Brimfield, Massachusetts, a modest New England town with a meager population of 3,000 residents, is the proud home of the largest, best-known outdoor antiques show in the U.S. This 65-year-old tradition features more than 5,000 dealers and accommodates about 250,000 guests along Massachusetts’ Route 20 during six days. Items range from fine antiques to “yard junk,” so serious collectors and looky-loos will find something worth their while.
What: Brimfield Antique Show
Where: Route 20, Brimfield, Massachusetts
When: July 14 to 19; September 8 to 13
Event at a Glance
The Brimfield Antique Show, which happens three times a year, has steadily grown in popularity since its debut in 1950. With the rise of eBay in the 1990s, skeptics thought the event would die out, but the show in May had the largest participation of both vendors and shoppers in the event’s history.
Tips
The show’s website provides a list of tips for attending Brimfield (or any antiques show) for those who may be interested but are new to the antiques show scene.
Respect the dealer. Many vendors are regulars and experts on their products. They know what they expect to get for certain items. In general, bargaining is encouraged, but if a dealer isn’t willing to bargain, don’t fight about it.
Dress like a normal person. There’s no point in putting on your designer shirt and shoes to impress the dealers at this show, especially if you’re looking to bargain. More important, when going to larger events, like the one in Brimfield, make sure you’re wearing clothing that’s comfortable enough for the long hours of walking, standing and maneuvering through large crowds. Or, better yet, the website has a useful wardrobe suggestion: “If you’re a casual or a serious collector, get a tee-shirt made up that says: ‘I Collect (whatever).’ You’ll be amazed at the people who come up to you.”
Be prepared, rain or shine. A lot of antiques events, even the smaller ones, will go on rain or shine — so you should too. In fact, if you attend during poor weather, you’ll increase your odds of finding (and procuring at a desirable cost) an item you’re looking for.
Practice your death grip. Found the item you were looking for? Do not let it go. If you need to run to the ATM, want to wait until the end of the show to pick up a heavy item or need to check with your spouse before purchasing, ask the vendor to hold the item. (This may require a small retainer,)
For more details, directions and answers to frequently asked questions, visit the Brimfield Antique Show website.
Tell us: Do you have a favorite antiques show or flea market? Post a picture of your best find from it in the Comments below!
More:
A Beginner’s Mini Guide to Buying Antiques
Smart Shopper: How to Judge Antique Furniture Quality
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