Anybody else attend the Barrie Flea Market this past weekend ? They have been having a lot of trouble from the neighbors that don't want the new owners putting on shows so have them tied up with the O.M.B. They didn't get permission to use the field for parking until last Tues. They didn't have use of the Gold Field from last fall either so it was very much constricted in size. Talked to a couple of guys who normally spent till around 4:00 to go thru the meet were done by 1:00. I would think maybe only about 60-70% of the normal vendors. We actually ended up with the best spots I've ever had in over 30 years on the tree line. Crowds were very steady but not as large as before and it could be seen by the smaller 50/50 draws. We were vending and made enough to cover the spots, food and fuel for the 4 days but it is more like a social to me. Lots of people I only see twice a year at this meet. We got out a little bit but not much. I did notice a lot more of the "garage sale type items" as opposed to actual car parts. I know, a few of you have been trying to tell me this for years but now I am closer to agreeing with you. But it's not just Barrie, a lot of the flea markets are down on people and content. There is only so much good used car parts to go around and I think a lot of it is getting horded and guys buying online now as it's not showing up at the meets. So that's my Sunday rant for this week...
I went on Friday, pocket full of cash. Came home with most of it. Most expensive thing I bought was pepperoni sticks. Couldn't find a single thing for my car.
Still, I had a good time time out with friends.
I was going to Barrie Flea Market in the Fall, 40 years ago / probably went 15-20 straight years, even before the Spring event was started.
- than the fudge and candy vendors, started showing up / clothes and running shoes next / the list of non auto related garage sale junk, continued
30 years ago, went as a vendor one year & did good / but haven't been back since / good parts hoarding, has always been a problem.
My son and I went up on Thursday. My goodness it was sparse...and the layout was most bizarre in that the vendors were scattered throughout each field without filling any of them. Lots of grumbling from vendors wrt paying $700 for a spot and being told to set up way off the beaten traffic path...
I have attended for the better part of 30 years and this event was by far the most disappointing from a vendor variety and quality perspective. A lot of regulars missing from the vendor line up.
On a positive note, the grounds/fields are very nice, a huge improvement over the pothole and rut ridden isles of yesteryear. Now if they can only get their act together and put on a quality automotive flea market...
Like Mike, saved my pennies and was prepared to spend but only came home with a sign for the shop and two NOS Cragar center caps for a friend of mine.
That said, the sun eventually came out and it was time well spent with my son.
Have been tempted to go back to Barrie for several years now BUT keep hearing and reading comments similar to what has been posted here and choose to take most peoples advice and stay home.
And a good day with friends are priceless memories and good for your mental health.. They are never wasted unless you don't make the best of them.. You can always find that part some place but you may never get that day with friends back again..So enjoy them
__________________
There is no elevator to success — you have to take the stairs.
