Michael's adventures...: *** Brimfield Fair ****

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

* Brimfield Fair **

After a long cold winter of planning a spring 'daytrip',

it's finally here. With an early wake up call I'm off to the...

Brimfield Fair

Located near the Connecticut border, Brimfield is a sleepy New England town of 3,000 residents that was founded in 1731, the year before George Washington was born. Brimfield's 35 square miles are situated in an open valley surrounded by wooded hills and apple orchards, near the foothills of the Berkshire Mountains.

Brimfield's population escalates dramatically when the more than 4,000 dealers and tens of thousands of buyers pile into town. The Show(s) begin on Tuesday and run through Sunday. While some fields open only on certain times, there are always many fields open no matter when in the Tuesday - Sunday period. The Show runs about a mile along Route 20, on both sides of the road, extending several hundred yards back from each side of the road. Most dealers opt to show their wares inside large and comfortable tents, and all fields are contiguously located next to each other, so seeing everything is an easy stroll.

DIRECTIONS:

From Points South: Travel north on I-91 to 291 East to Mass Turnpike entrance (Exit 6). Take the Mass Pike East to Exit 8 (Palmer). Turn right after the toll booths and left at the first light (in Palmer) onto Route 20 East. Proceed East approx 8 miles into Brimfield. It's and easy trip, even I didn't get lost !

REMEMBER - NO PARKING ON ANY STATE ROADS OR YOUR CAR WILL BE TOWED!
(FAIR WARNING)

To get the best deal, cash works best.

Bring lots of $$$$$$

This is what I've learned:

Brimfield Basics

* Bring cash, cash and more cash.

* Wear comfortable shoes and carry a backpack with another bag inside of it and a flashlight. Leave your hands free for foraging.

* Plan on rain and bring proper gear (a hat is better than having to lug an umbrella).

* Arrive before sunrise, Tuesday through Friday, when the pros are working the lots; Saturday is for lookers. The earlier you go in the week, the better, since some dealers sell at a few markets.

* Plan where you'll run when they open the gates. (Hint: make a beeline for the back of the field and work your way up.)

* Set a time and place to meet your companions in case you get lost or tired. Brimfield has no central meeting place or paging system, and the booths tend to blur together after a few hours.

* Write down booth numbers you plan to return to, especially if you've put money down on an item.

* The Show goes on, rain or shine, the Show runs sun-up to sun-down, rain or shine!