Brimfield redux
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Brimfield. In all honestly, it's been 2 years since I've made it out to Brimfield. While not a lot has changed, a lot has changed. I generally try to go on the second or third day, but ideally would go to both. I like to go early in the week, because I do think the best stuff gets quickly picked over, but some areas don't open until Thursday, so going on Wednesday means you're early for some, but miss others. And if you're willing to wait until the weekend, you risk crowds, but can score some major deals in the "everything must go" mentality. It's a trade off (welcome to life right?).
I always go with a short list of things to look for, otherwise I'm like a squirrel chasing shiny objects - of which there are many. Focus is helpful. There is a LOT of stuff. This year, I bought one thing that was tangentially on my list and a pair of outdoor chairs that were squarely on my wish list. These three chairs, to the delight of the parking attendant, managed to fit in the backseat of my little sedan. Phew.
What did I get... a Herman Miller Eames Molded Plywood Dining Chair, in slightly rough shape, and 2 Woodard Sculptura wrought iron chairs. I would have bought more as well as the matching lounger I found at another vendor, but I didn't heed my first suggestion below... bring a friend with a truck.
Chairs primed and ready for Color
Some thoughts and observations....
If you have a friend with a big SUV, van or truck, bring them. Make them drive. Treat them to lunch and a beer at the turn. You'll thank them and yourself after.
There were a lot more vendors of modern/mid-century goods than in years past and it was the most crowded Brimfield show I've ever attended. It's great for the vendors, more difficult for us laypeople trying to find that special something. Be prepared for that.
The show has also launched a new app to help attendees find both vendors and categories of things. I did not try this. I will next time I go, although I do appreciate that in general, vendors stay in the same spot year over year. This makes it nice for repeat attendees to relocate their trusted vendors.
We had to pay $5 to enter the New England Motel and Antique Market area, it was worth it. I found the vendors to have generally well curated collections, and the crowds were fewer (and who won't pay a couple of bucks for that). While there isn't a ton of rhyme or reason to where vendors are located, I do find the best jewelry vendors at Brimfield are located in the barn area in the back of this market. I also made my only purchases of the day in this market. So yay for $5.
Park and walk. There is church right before you get to the main stretch of vendors on the right heading west on Rt. 20. They are delightful, they charge $10 to park (which is more than most other places), but it precludes the need to drive in front of the vendor area, which is a veritable nightmare with porters and carriages and people, oh my. And if you're willing to walk, you can make deliveries of your purchases to your car as the day goes on. For me, it's perfect.
And remember, bring cash (your friend with the truck) and enjoy the hunt!
