MAY  2011

Experience the Wonders of Brimfield

    The Brimfield antiques faire is arguably the biggest of its kind this side of the Mississippi. Held three times a year (May, July and September) in the tiny town of Brimfield, Massachusetts, people come from all over the country, in fact from all over the world, to “shop Brimfield” as they say. Lucky for us here in Rehoboth, it is a hop, skip and a jump away, or about 90 minutes up the Mass turn pike to be (sort of ) exact.

    Twenty fields open on a staggered schedule (from Tuesday to Sunday) along a one-mile stretch of Route 20 in Brimfield.  Each is filled choc-a-bloc full of hidden treasure. from early American to European, from mid-century modern to industrial chic, from the humble to the divine.  Whatever you’re dreaming of, if it’s out there, it can be found at Brimfield.  I don’t know about you, but it makes my heart beat a little faster.

    This tiny Massachusetts town swells from a population of roughly 3,600 to over 250,000 during sale weeks. I’ve bought and sold at Brimfield over the years and devised a way to make what could be an overwhelming experience into a user-friendly plan.  Some details to consider:

   May is the biggest and busiest of the three sales.  Being New England, it could be cold, rainy, warm, sunny, or mild.  Be prepared.  July is the slowest and smallest of the shows, and by far the hottest in temperature, not antiques. September is in between, not as big and busy as May, and not as hot as July.


Getting There and Parking

     Brimfield is about 90 minutes from Rehoboth. You should get there early for the best parking spots and to avoid crowds. 7 am is not too early, which means leaving Rehoboth by 5:30. Download a map of the fields, directions and other information using this link:  Click here

  About half way down Route 20 (once you enter the town of Brimfield) you will see a group of giant green and yellow umbrellas on the right. This is the food court. Just after the umbrellas turn right, into the “New England Motel” field where you can park. They have port-a-potties, usually without long lines. Lock up your car and start shopping!


The Process

    Go to the restroom if needed, grab a coffee (I assume you already had the first cup on the ride up) and head to the main road. Take a right out of the field and go up one side of Route 20 and down the other. Time it so you make it back to New England Motel and the big umbrellas for a late lunch. Please note that it’s less busy at 1:00 or 2:00 than it is at straight-up noon. You can pack your treasures into the car, go to the restroom and head to the food court for lunch.

    If you have any energy left after lunch, go back to the main road taking a left this time and repeat the process. Go up one side and down the other, shopping all the way. At the end of the day you’ll be back at New England Motel . . . and the bathrooms, food and your car.


Can it be done in a day?

   Not everything. Some people have a favorite field and go when “their field” opens. Some people go to the opening of each field (remember, there is different opening day and time for each field) and snatch up the best stuff right away.

    Saturdays are mobbed and by Sunday people are packing up and ready to leave (some leave at the end of the day Saturday.) Some people swear by Sundays saying they get the best deals then, others say the best stuff is gone by Sunday.


Things to Bring

   It is always best to be prepared, so here is a list of necessities:  a wheeled shopping cart, antibacterial wipes, tissues, bottled water, sunscreen, sunglasses, cell phone, umbrella (according to the weather) and a hat.  Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress in loose comfy clothing.

Brimfield
Brimfield

My Favorite Fields

New England Motel

J and J Auction Acres

The meadows

Midway


Rehobothites at Brimfield

    I will be setting up Bliss Farm Antiques in New England Motel (in the Pavillion). You can also see Beth and Richard Bellamy of Northstar Antiques.  They also set up in New England Motel.  Aaron Boudreau, of Aaron Boudreau Antiques, sets up in Hertan’s field.

More Details

   There is a shipping area (UPS) so if you find just the right giant sized piece of furniture and you drive a two-seater, don’t worry.  The UPS is located at the entrance of New England Motel.

    There are ATM’s scattered about Route 20.  There is one at the food court.

  Porters will carry your treasures for you. You’ll recognize them by the shirts that say “PORTER” in giant letters on the front. They charge a nominal fee and you can negotiate.

There is a strong (and friendly) police presence, controlling traffic and crowds.

  There is one gas station, one convenience store, one bank and one post office in town. I suggest taking care of all that before you take off.

    Wheelin’and dealin’ is acceptable, but don’t insult the buyer. Expect between 10% and 20% off, more if you are buying several items. Cash is king, but many dealers accept credit and debit cards.  Ssome accept checks, but you’ll have to provide a drivers license and a credit card as back up.

    Keep in touch with fellow buyers using cell phones. But be forewarned that cell coverage is spotty in Brimfield. You should have a designated meeting spot and time as a backup to cell phone communication.

 
 Made on a Mac