Household Hunting and Gathering At Three Famous Flea Markets

Household Hunting and Gathering At Three Famous Flea Markets
The July 3 Hillsdale, N.Y., flea is one of three major markets happening nearby this summer. Photo submitted

Tag sales are just fine for most of us, but for the true fan of finding glorious vintage rustic home decorations there is nothing like a giant flea market. 

Of course the famous such markets are in Paris and New York City but — think about it: You’re here in The Country. Old adorable things are closer to their original owners here. And perhaps there will be a larger-than-average supply of amazing finds; there were no sales last year, of course, because of the COVID-19 quarantine.

I wish I could say that there is less sharp-elbowed savvy competition at these sales but that would be a lie. There will be war — perhaps over a McCoy vase or some bits of delicious silver flatware, unmatched but enticing (I want!).

Hey, a little competition builds character and gets the blood racing.

The big market of the East Coast, and one of the most famous markets in America, is the venerable Brimfield Market in Sturbridge, Mass., which is actually an amalgam of several smaller markets with thousands (yes, thousands) of dealers and an estimated 50,000 visitors.

Three Brimfield markets have been scheduled for this year. The first was May 11 to 16. The second will be July 13 to 18 and the final sale of 2021 will be Sept. 7 to 12.

The hours vary but when aficionados talk about shopping at Brimfield, they invariably describe using a flashlight in the wee dark hours of the morning. Get excellent details at www.brimfieldantiquefleamarket.com.

On a somewhat smaller scale is the Elephant’s Truck flea market in New Milford, Conn., which is held every Sunday from April through December. With food trucks and other entertainment, the Elephant’s Trunk is almost like an ag fair for vintage furnishing fans. Instead of cows, there are couches.

You can buy tickets for early entry online at www.etflea.com. Early Buyers can enter at 5:30 a.m.;  Prepaid Buyers enter between 7 and 8 a.m. 

General Admission is from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.; these tickets can only be purchased at the gate. A seasoned campaigner of Elephant’s Trunk sales confided to me that the best time to go is 7 a.m. If you go during the Early Buyer slot, she said, many of the buyers are not at their booths because they’re off looking at the wares of other dealers.

Coming up on Independence Day weekend, the town of Hillsdale, N.Y., will hold its annual  flea market on Saturday, July 3, at Hamlet Park (at the intersection of Routes 22 and 23). The market opens at 8 a.m. for early birds with a $10 admission fee; admission from 9 a.m. until the end of the shopping day, at 3 p.m., is free.

This sale has clothing in addition to home furnishings. And if you’d like to participate as a vendor, there are some spaces available (contact Steven Tiger at stiger@taconic.net or 518-938-1404).

Latest News

Amenia board honors employees for service

Long-term town employees were recognized at the Town Board meeting on Thursday, June 12. Honorees pictured with Town Supervisor Leo Blackman, were Judy Carlson, Office Manager at the Town Garage, center, for her 35 years of service to the town and Megan Chamberlin, current Highway Superintendent, for 20 years.

Leila Hawken

AMENIA — Acknowledging the many years of service accumulated by town employees, the Town Board paused to honor that service at its meeting on Thursday, June 12.

“Thank you for making a difference,” said Town Supervisor Leo Blackman in recognizing Judy Carlson, Office Manager at the town garage, for her 35 years of service.

Keep ReadingShow less
Village Trustees add new recruit to police force

Village of Millerton Police Recruit Hannah Dworkin, left, is officially sworn in by Town Clerk Lisa Cope.

Photo by Aly Morrissey

MILLERTON — For Hannah Dworkin, 25, of East Fishkill, joining the police force was more than a career choice. It was a family tradition.

Raised among military veterans and law enforcement officers, Dworkin is the daughter of Millbrook Police Chief Keith Dworkin and has two brothers who also serve as police officers. Even her maternal grandfather served behind the badge.

Keep ReadingShow less
Historic marker dedicated at Amenia Union Cemetery

In anticipation of the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the start of the American Revolution in 2026, new historic markers are appearing at each of the local cemeteries where Revolutionary War veterans are buried. Unveiling the new marker at Amenia Union Cemetery on Saturday, June 21, were left to right, Town Historian Betsy Strauss, Jim Middlebrook representing the regional chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, and Gail Seymour, President of the Union Cemetery Association.

Photo by Leila Hawken

AMENIA — One by one, new historic markers are appearing at local cemeteries where Revolutionary War dead are buried. On Saturday, June 21, community members gathered to see a new marker unveiled at Amenia Union Cemetery on Leedsville Road.

A tent provided welcome shade for the attendees and refreshments as about 30 residents gathered for the unveiling and to share stories of local history with one another.

Keep ReadingShow less
Millerton Street Fair celebration June 28

Bee Bee the clown, face painters and a community wide scavenger hunt are among the activities planned for the Millerton Street Fair in Downtown Millerton on Saturday, June 28.

Photo by Aly Morrissey

MILLERTON — The Millerton News, in partnership with the North East Community Center (NECC) and the Millerton Business Alliance, is hosting its first Street Fair on Saturday in a celebration of the town.

Rain or shine from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m, the fair will bring together local nonprofits and businesses, with live music, entertainment, kids’ activities, local eats, and family fun in Veterans Park, in front of the Millerton Inn, and beyond.

Keep ReadingShow less