Photo Courtesy of Utica Antique
One of the changes that’s likely happened in most homes over the past year is focused on interior decorating. Everyone who has had to stare at the same four walls for 12 months now realizes how important it is to have a home you love.
Antique stores, flea markets and resale shops are one way to find items that have deep personalities while also offering affordable prices. This spring, more of these retailers are opening up or establishing outdoor marketplaces, fairs and one-time events so people can shop outside and in comfort.
An outdoor antique or flea market is a relatively simple event to plan and visit. The key is to bring cash or find a vendor who accepts Square to use your credit card. Look for items that will add to your comfort to bring new style to your space.
The most important part to remember about shopping at an outdoor antique market is that an antique is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it. Find something you love and value it properly so you know you got a great deal from that vendor. You’ll be happy every time you see that object proudly displayed in your home.
Here are some antique fairs, markets and events that you can check out in the weeks and months to come.
Utica Antiques Market
The Utica Antiques Market brings together thousands of items from all over the country with pieces from all periods for the serious collector or the novice. This event is the largest outdoor market of its kind in Southeastern Michigan. The show takes place three weekends every year at the beautiful K of C Picnic Grounds on 21 Mile Road. This year’s first show is scheduled for May 8 and 9. Parking is FREE and admission is only $5 per person.
Dixieland Flea Market
In 1976, Waterford Township welcomed The Dixieland Flea Market to the corner of Dixie Highway and Telegraph Road. It has been a landmark for locals and visitors alike since then. Original vendors sold mostly antiques and specialty items and still do. Today, many of the current vendors have adapted their merchandise to cater to the everyday family needs. This family-friendly shopping experience takes place Friday, Saturday or Sunday, where you will find more than 100 inside vendors occupying 75,000 square feet of selling space. Additionally, Dixieland Flea Market offers 120 outside vendor spaces open year around.
Shabby Sunday Spring Vintage Market
Bring your favorite pickers and finders for a May 16 event that promises to be fun and fruitful. It is a day of junkers, collectors, artisans, handcrafters, pickers and antiquers coming together at the Not 2 Shabby Red barn in Flint with their wares. Organizers promise it is a day of friendships, laughs and fun. You never know what you will find and you will never know what you can’t live without.
The Barn Show
This event by the Road Knights Auto Club of Detroit will take place June 13 at the Wilson Barn in Livonia. This all-ages event is aimed at car enthusiasts of both vintage and modern models, and there will be both a car show as well as vendors who will have car-focused and car-themed items available for your selection. It is pretty much guaranteed that you’ll find something new for the cars you love.
Michigan Antique Festival
The event, scheduled for May 1 and 2 in Davisburg, traditionally brings together a wide array of antique dealers who offer everything from collectibles to furniture to accessories of all kinds for the home. The organizer, Michigan Antique & Collectibles Festivals, says it puts together Michigan’s largest events of this kind and has premier vendors.
