Brimfield Cancels May Event
Brimfield Antique Flea Markets, one of the largest and most popular outdoor antique shows in the country, has cancelled its May 12-17 event over concerns of the coronavirus pandemic.
BRIMFIELD, Mass. – The coronavirus pandemic is ravaging antique shows big and small throughout the country. The latest victim is the Brimfield Antique Flea Markets, which has announced the cancelation of its May12-17 event.
“We are sorry to announce that due to circumstances beyond our control the Brimfield Antique Flea Markets will be closed for the May event. We will post updates for the future events as they become available. Please stay safe and healthy! We look forward to seeing you later this year,” Brimfield Antique Flea Markets organizers stated on their website.
With 5,000 dealers stretched over 21 fields along one mile of Route 20 in Brimfield, the event is believed to be the largest outdoor antique show in the country. Brimfield also hosts events in July and September. The future of those events will be decided at a later date, organizers said. The May and September events have historically been the largest shows.
In light of Massachusetts’ March 10 State of Emergency declaration, as well as orders from Gov. Charlie Baker’s office, organizers had no choice but to cancel the Brimfield spring event.
Brimfield had earlier hoped to wait until April 15 to make a final decision on the event. But Chairman of the Select Board Paul McCarthy said the escalation of the virus forced an early decision.
“Though the situation may hopefully improve by that time, we cannot foresee the level of improvement as of April 15th being substantial enough to lift the orders limiting public gatherings to a level that would allow such a populous event,” McCarthy told the Western Mass News.
Previously, The Round Top Antique Fair, Round Top, Texas, cancelled its spring event. Round Top’s next event is scheduled for the fall, September 28-October 3.
A huge gathering site for antiques and collectibles enthusiasts, the Round Top show has been held twice annually since 1968.
Paul Kennedy is Editorial Director of the Collectibles Group at AIM Media. He enjoys Mid-century design, photography, vintage movie posters and people with a good story to share. Kennedy has more than twenty-five years of experience in the antiques and collectibles field, including book publishing. Reach him at PKennedy@aimmedia.com.
