BRIMFIELD - September marks the final installment of the thrice-annual Brimfield Antique Shows, meaning antique lovers will have only six more days to scout for treasures.
The September show kicks off on Tuesday and lasts through Sunday, featuring thousands of dealers on a one mile stretch of Route 20. Field owner-operators advise visitors to dress comfortably, have a meeting spot, and to be prepared to haggle - politely.
"This is the last hurrah," said Lois J. Shelton, owner of Shelton Antiques, which has approximately 100 dealers.
Shelton said the May show was great, and the July show "eventually turned out OK." She, like other dealers, is hoping for a repeat of May.
Trends this year include architectural items, she said. Shelton said people are looking for items they can re-purpose, such as bathtubs that can be turned into a settee.
Shelton has been involved in the shows since 1975 (the shows began back in 1959, and their notoriety has spread throughout the world). Shelton said she has a group of dealers that come from Hungary each year to sell Hungarian artifacts and furniture.
Having been involved in the Brimfield antique shows for so long, Shelton knows how visitors and first-timers should prepare, as the shows take place rain
or shine.
"Bring rain boots or a rain jacket ... Be prepared for everything. Emergency rain coats are great. Politely bargain and haggle. The biggest complaint that
dealers have is if something is marked $500 and someone will offer $20. Don't waste people's time. Be realistic," Shelton said.
Shelton's field opens at daybreak on Tuesday, and there are plenty of early birds out at that time. The majority of the more than 20 show fields open Tuesday; the others open throughout the week.
"It's still the most amazing show in the country," Shelton said.
Donald G. Moriarty, who runs Heart-O-the-Mart with his wife Pamela, said he hopes the September show comes close to the May show, which he described as the
best May show in "at least a decade, maybe ever."
Moriarty opens Wednesday at 9 a.m. and features 450 dealers. Moriarty said industrial items from old factories and art deco items continue to be popular.
David M. Lamberto, owner of Hertan's Antique Shows, opens his field at noon on Wednesday with 200 dealers.
So far, Lamberto said it's looking good weather-wise. Lamberto said he finds people are looking for high quality folk art and garden furniture. He said he's also noticed that vintage clothes have been "really hot for some reason" the last few years.
For shoppers who want to take home large items, Lamberto noted that shippers are available throughout the fields.
According to www.brimfield.com, a UPS/FED EX dealer is located in the Brimfield Acres North field, and L Drew
Gerald is at May's parking lot for shipping needs. Several dealers also will ship to homes if they are asked. And, there are porters available to help move large items to the shippers or to cars.
Lamberto said he never gets tired of seeing what the sellers bring to the shows.
"I welcome the public to come," Lamberto said.
The Brimfield Antiques Show is billed as the largest outdoor antique show in the world, and is said to attract more than 130,000 visitors during each week it
is held. Food is available at various fields. The New England Motel, in the middle of the show, houses the largest food court.
As the Quaboag Valley Chamber of Commerce writes: "Whether it’s your first time to Brimfield, or you are a seasoned visitor, we promise that you will see something to tempt even the most discriminating buyer."
Source: www.masslive.com
The September show kicks off on Tuesday and lasts through Sunday, featuring thousands of dealers on a one mile stretch of Route 20. Field owner-operators advise visitors to dress comfortably, have a meeting spot, and to be prepared to haggle - politely.
"This is the last hurrah," said Lois J. Shelton, owner of Shelton Antiques, which has approximately 100 dealers.
Shelton said the May show was great, and the July show "eventually turned out OK." She, like other dealers, is hoping for a repeat of May.
Trends this year include architectural items, she said. Shelton said people are looking for items they can re-purpose, such as bathtubs that can be turned into a settee.
Shelton has been involved in the shows since 1975 (the shows began back in 1959, and their notoriety has spread throughout the world). Shelton said she has a group of dealers that come from Hungary each year to sell Hungarian artifacts and furniture.
Having been involved in the Brimfield antique shows for so long, Shelton knows how visitors and first-timers should prepare, as the shows take place rain
or shine.
"Bring rain boots or a rain jacket ... Be prepared for everything. Emergency rain coats are great. Politely bargain and haggle. The biggest complaint that
dealers have is if something is marked $500 and someone will offer $20. Don't waste people's time. Be realistic," Shelton said.
Shelton's field opens at daybreak on Tuesday, and there are plenty of early birds out at that time. The majority of the more than 20 show fields open Tuesday; the others open throughout the week.
"It's still the most amazing show in the country," Shelton said.
Donald G. Moriarty, who runs Heart-O-the-Mart with his wife Pamela, said he hopes the September show comes close to the May show, which he described as the
best May show in "at least a decade, maybe ever."
Moriarty opens Wednesday at 9 a.m. and features 450 dealers. Moriarty said industrial items from old factories and art deco items continue to be popular.
David M. Lamberto, owner of Hertan's Antique Shows, opens his field at noon on Wednesday with 200 dealers.
So far, Lamberto said it's looking good weather-wise. Lamberto said he finds people are looking for high quality folk art and garden furniture. He said he's also noticed that vintage clothes have been "really hot for some reason" the last few years.
For shoppers who want to take home large items, Lamberto noted that shippers are available throughout the fields.
According to www.brimfield.com, a UPS/FED EX dealer is located in the Brimfield Acres North field, and L Drew
Gerald is at May's parking lot for shipping needs. Several dealers also will ship to homes if they are asked. And, there are porters available to help move large items to the shippers or to cars.
Lamberto said he never gets tired of seeing what the sellers bring to the shows.
"I welcome the public to come," Lamberto said.
The Brimfield Antiques Show is billed as the largest outdoor antique show in the world, and is said to attract more than 130,000 visitors during each week it
is held. Food is available at various fields. The New England Motel, in the middle of the show, houses the largest food court.
As the Quaboag Valley Chamber of Commerce writes: "Whether it’s your first time to Brimfield, or you are a seasoned visitor, we promise that you will see something to tempt even the most discriminating buyer."
Source: www.masslive.com