The Brimfield Antique Show is an outdoor antique and collectibles experience treasured by all who attend. The show, which has been taking place since 1959 when Gordon Reid, a local auctioneer, permitted a handful of dealers to use his property to peddle their collectibles, takes place July 12 through July 17 (and again Sept. 6 through Sept. 11).
Taking up a mile-long strip along Route 20 in Brimfield, Massachusetts, the show features thousands of antique dealers from all over the country, with tents extending several hundred yards back from the curb and sprawling across 23 fields. The vendors peddle a large variety of antiques, including clocks and watches, folk art, furniture, autographs, jewelry, dinnerware, pottery, rugs, quilts and vintage clothing, just to name a few.
The show touts itself as being the largest outdoor antiques show not only in New England but also in the world, with over 6,000 dealers and 130,000-plus visitors during the course of the weeklong event. Some of the vendors start selling at daybreak (Cheney Apple Barn, Crystal Brook, Mahogany Ridge, Quaker Acres, Shelton Antique and Sturtevants), with many more opening for business between 7 am and 9 am. Brimfield Acres North opens at 1 pm.
Some of the fields charge for admission (around $5 or $6), especially on opening day, but most do not. Also, some of the fields that charge for admission during the peak morning hours waive their fees later in the day.
If you’re planning on visiting the show, here are some tips to make your experience as enjoyable as possible:
Beg to dicker. While you may run into a dealer or two whose prices are firmly fixed, dickering is generally the rule, so don’t be afraid to counter offer on the vendor’s opening price.
Come armed with cash, which of course is king.
While many vendors accept checks, enticing them with cash just might seal the deal in your favor.
Don’t bring your pets. While you may occasionally see a dog or two along the route, many of the fields prohibit pooches. Plus, with the large crowds and summer heat, man’s best friend will likely be happier at home anyway.
If you see something you want, hold onto it.
Don’t leave a booth without providing a vendor with a retainer to hold your precious find; otherwise you run a big risk of having someone
else scoop it up. If you like something but aren’t so inclined to put a deposit down on it, jot down the name, booth number and field in which the dealer is located in case you want to revisit that spot later in the day.
If you can’t afford an item outright, ask the dealer if they’ll agree to a layaway – show organizers say this might not be an option if the dealer is coming from far away but it is certainly worth asking about.
If you don’t see what you’re looking for, ask the dealer. Just because you don’t see it doesn’t mean they don’t have it or can’t tell you where you may be able to get it. Also, consider handing out business cards including your name and phone number to dealers so they can get in touch with you if they locate the item(s) for which you’re searching.
The show is open rain or shine from sun-up to sundown, so dress accordingly. Also, show organizers recommend visiting when it’s raining, as the crowds are generally thinner and closing the deal may be a bit easier.
Do some pre-show research to get a better sense of just how much the items you’re looking for are really worth. That way, you’ll know a good deal when you see one.
Get an early start and plan on hitting the lunch wagons for a quick bite before 11 am. It’s tough to find a seat after that; plus the fields are more empty during the lunch rush.
If you’re looking for a real bargain, hit the back of the fields. According to show organizers this is where you can pick up fun and quirky items that aren’t necessarily high-end, pricey collectibles.
Don’t park along Route 20 or Route 19. These are state roads and parking is not permitted on them. Don’t risk being ticketed, or worse towed. Instead, be prepared to pay (generally no more than $10). While lesser expensive lots with shuttle service are available a distance from the town center, show organizers say it’s often worth it to wait a few minutes in traffic to snag a spot at one of the lots located in the center of all the action, as you won’t have far to lug your treasures at the end of your excursion.
By Laura Starczewski
If you’re in the market to buy – or sell – a specific type of antique, visit www. brimfieldshow.com/collectors-classifieds- intro.htm where you can place a free “I Want to Buy” or “I Want to Sell” classified ad. According to the website, visitors are in search of many different types of items, such as vintage Christmas decorations, antique flags from the Civil War era, vintage watch parts and high quality vintage men’s and women’s clothing and accessories from the Victorian Era though the 1960s. Vendors are in the market to sell many unique items, including fabric from the Wright Brothers’ 1903 Kitty Hawk flight, Lionel Trains from the 1960s and vintage chrome dinette sets from the 1950s.
