Find yourself a little short on cash this summer? Thinking that vacation is just not gonna happen? Well, before you put away the luggage, you might consider a day trip or even a weekend getaway to one of the great midwest antique shows only a few hours drive from central Indy. Beautiful scenery, great food, live music and some of the best “junkin’” on the planet await you on less than a tank of gas!
Lawrenceburg, Indiana has been the site of the largest, regularly scheduled, outdoor antique market since 1985. Boasting over 200 dealers, The Tri-State Antique Market is held the first Sunday of each month May through October. Have no fear of a rain out as foul weather takes the show inside to 125 sheltered booths. One mile west of exit 16 off Interstate 275, it features free parking, rest areas, food stands and paved sidewalks all for a $3 admission charge (children under 18 are free). The Lawrenceburg show, which has been features in Midwest Living, Country Homes, Antique Week and Indianapolis Monthly, draws quality dealers from around the midwest. Merchandise from 19th Century primitives to 70s Pop Art is on sale from 7-3 with early birds admitted from 6-7 during dealer set up. Check out their Web site at queencityshows.com/tristate.
The Sandwich, Illinois Collectors Show offers a double treat for shoppers. Split into two sections, one side is set up with craft displays, homemade items and flea market merchandise and the second side contains antiques and collectibles from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. Scheduled dates for this year are July 28, August 18, September 22 and October 27. For more info go to www.antiquemarkets.com.
From September 13-15 the Country Living Fair comes to Columbus, Ohio. One of three stops selected for this year’s tour, the Columbus show will feature 200 artists and craftsmen along with live music, country cooking demonstrations and a chance to meet the editors of Country Living magazine. Open from 10-5 daily, this is more than just another antique show. Among the great finds available again this year are European nightdresses ($35), clock faces ($4), steel locker baskets ($35), and one-of-a-kind cotton dresses made from vintage fabrics ($50-$100). Ticket prices vary from as little as $8 for a one day pass to $40 for a 4-day pass with early bird privileges. To learn more go to www.countryliving.com/antiques/deals-at-country-living-fair.
Our friends in the Buckeye state boast of many great antique venues, and at the top of the list is the Springfield Antique Show. The setup at the Springfield Fairgrounds is open to the public the third week of each month year round with approximately 200-300 dealers, but from May to October that number swells to over 2,500 booths. Advertising signs, Midwestern pottery, vintage fashion, coins and stamps, primitives and painted furniture are just a few of the finds. Check out their Web site at www.springfieldantiqueshow.com.
Not for the faint of heart, but an amazing adventure for those who dare to tackle it, The World’s Longest Yard Sale covers 690 miles of some of the most scenic country side in the U.S. From the start 5 miles north of Addison, Michigan to the last vendor on the outskirts of Gadsden, Alabama this event, also known as the 127 Sale, is one incredible treasure hunt. This year’s sale runs from Thursday, August 1 through Sunday, August 4. Go to www.127sale.com for information on both the sale and the many special events held along Highway 127 during the four day run.
Antiques and a day out with the family in the beautiful heartland of America: It just doesn’t get any better than this! Until next time………Linda
Irvington resident Linda Kennett is a professional liquidation consultant specializing in down-sizing for seniors and the liquidation of estates and may be reached at 317-429-7887 or lkennett@indy.rr.com