You know how much we love our vintage markets, craft fairs, salvage shops and all things perfect in their own way. So you can imagine what happens when right in our backyard we get the chance to spend the day at one of the most amazing vintage markets we have come across and we get to walk the show, enjoy the booths, the smells, the sites and the stories. We ask our selves so many times ‘ what if these pieces could speak and tell their stores?’ Vintage Market Days of NW Arkansas happens twice a year in our area and we look forward to it both Spring and Fall. ‘As of Fall 2016 there are events scheduled in Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Kansas, Florida, Colorado, New Mexico, Tennessee, Alabama, Utah, Louisiana, Nebraska, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, & Mississippi. Each event is run by individual business owners,’ so we anticipate you will find wonderful Vintage Market days in these areas and more for 2017.
The day was magnificent, which only makes a market experience so much more fun, with booth after booth lined up ready to show off their creations, collections and style. Set at the Benton County Fairgrounds, this location is used to hosting cows, rabbits and deep fried magic, but the stalls are moved aside to make way for the vintage stands, each one seemed to be more creative than the next and they keep coming up with more clever and unique ways to show off their antiques, vintage finds, creative DIY projects, crafted items and vintage style apparel. You are welcomed with wonderful music, unique food carts and big smiles. Some booths were outside the barn, while others were set on the grounds, lucky for everyone the weather was perfect.
The gypsies made their way through the aisles first before stopping for a quick bite and then, we walked the entire fair again, yes again. We simply cannot tell you about each booth, you will just have to come this fall and see them for yourself, but we can tell you about a few of our favorites, starting with best of show, in our minds, the booth was probably one of the smallest at the show and carefully put together, but the message and the two sweet sellers melted our hearts. He the artist and she the support, with only kind words to say. Birdwerks is the name of the company, but the name does not clearly tell you how special they are really are.
Birdwerks makes wonderful works of art using materials recovered from old homes, churches and historic places, which in itself might not be a brand new concept, but it is when you find out that some of the hardwood used was recovered from places like Joplin, Missouri, at the site of the E-5 Tornado that did so much destruction to a wonderful town, taking with it historic homes, churches and wonderful places.
They capture unwanted, wonderful pieces of wood leaving the paint, marks and memories intact and turning them into truly amazing works of art. Dan Sherman gives back through his art and with the support of his wife Sharon, they are truly making a difference in our community.
The prices were amazing and the quality was outstanding, but knowing that the materials had such meaning and that the Sherman’s give back to the community for which they reclaim the wood, just makes our day. So best of show for sure!!! Visit their Facebook to see more of what they do and the amazing birdhouses.
If you have not found yourself wandering at a local flea market, barn sale or vintage market, you have to add it to your list of fun and creative things to do. There are so many great ones popping up around the country.
Here are a few great resources for locating antique markets, vintage days, barn sales and more.
Wide Open Country – best in Texas
The Crazy Tourist – best in California
'Gypsy travels to Vintage Market Days in NW Arkansas' has 1 comment
June 5, 2017 @ 5:47 pm Cathy Frailey
Holy cow – I’d be broke!! Amazing stuff! My house is already stuffed full of antiques, rustic/vintage, and my own creations. I could open my own store. Lol