First Elkhorn Antiques Flea Market of 2010

Recently Husbola and I packed up Old Green with treasures and headed up to Elkhorn WI for the first antiques flea market of 2010. We survived-We sold-We are pooped.

Elkhorn is one of those rare antique events that is still going strong after more than 20 years. Early on in our marriage we went with my folks--after getting up a 4am, eating pancakes at a cafe in Delavan--we hit the ground running at the itty bitty little flea market in Elkhorn. Now--more than 20 years later--it has grown to more than 500 dealers and it still sprawling on the Walworth County Fairgrounds--and it still a not to miss yearly adventure.

Three years ago--we decided to join other acquaintances in the antiques trade who "Do Elkhorn." When you tell other antique dealers that you "Do Elkhorn" some are a little apologetic--as if doing a flea market is some how reflective on your antiques business--and not as high on the "food chain" as other selling opportunities.

Well--true--there is not another antique selling place that we do where Buffalo Bob sells buffalo burgers out of a big wagon. And no--our other shows do not have patrons passing your booth carry rusty pails and garden tools and large 1970s decorative do-dads. And no-again-our usual antique venue does not have a vendor selling cheese curds and home made sausage. In the too often snobby world of "Not Our Kind Dear" antique events--Elkhorn may be the poor stepsister--but it does have a few things that we do not see in most other antique events. Huge crowds-smiling people-and young people shopping and buying. Simply said--Elkhorn Flea Market has smiling people--and not all retired folks-- who like old stuff.

The market is held four times a year--May-June-August and September. The promotors-Nona and Skip (they must have a last name--but I am not sure what) have fought the urge to expand and get bigger and hold the market more often. What they do--they do well-clean-organized-lots of restrooms-good market food-and all of this for $5 buck admission. As a dealer--I see that they are organized--and no nonsense. If a dealer is a problem--chances are you will not see them again. Prices for space rental and electricity are very fair--and there is a wide selection of inside and outside stalls.

Later this week--I will post our observations and experiences "View From the Small Animals Building." And yes--Husbola is still speaking to me after the weekend.