Buy Local at 20 Flea Market Vendors

Yesterday I hung out for a little while with the Shipshewana Flea Market manager Michael Christner. He introduced me to several flea market vendors and allowed me to take a few photos. His patience really impressed me, as he is in charge of the entire market and literally hundreds and hundreds of vendors. If I were Michael, I would be panicking at all I would be responsible for, but Michael didn’t panic. He was cordial and accommodating.

One thing I asked specifically about is whether or not the Flea Market had either vendors selling local items, or just local vendors but not necessarily selling local items. Michael quickly fired off about 20 vendors, and he said there are more out there on the grounds.

Whenever I go to the Shipshewana Flea Market, I do my best to patronize the local business folks. Some of those businesses at the Flea Market are Amish families supplementing a farming income with their sales on Tuesday and Wednesday. Others are vendors from all different walks of who are squeezing out a living and having some great fun in the process.

I did manage to write down some of those vendors so I could share them with you, but please understand that many more vendors do sell local items. I guess you’ll just have to come and find them. I don’t know if Michael will be your personal tour guide…but if he is, tell him I said hello.

Happy Flea Marketing, and Go Loco For Local!

Booths 171, 715                      Shipshewana Spice Co.

Booths 149-51, 175-77            Simple Treasures Purses sold at Cornucopia

Booth #240                             Nena’s Wardrobe Custom Made Dog/Pet Clothing, Supplies

Booths 292-93                        Ineedabutterfly Airbrushed Lawn Décor

Booth #482                             Butters & Spreads from Dutch Country Butters

Booths 492-93                        Vinyl Baskets at Eash Sales

Booth #516                             Bread Box Bakery & Café

Booth #560                             Furniture by Ervin’s Millwork Shop

Booth #P8                              Little Helpers Jams & Jellies; Silverstar Leather Products

Booth #607                             miss chic Boutique

Booth #608                             Comfort & Joy Home Décor

Booth #611                             Lodge Furniture and décor from Dutchman Log Furniture

Booths 612-13                        Dunbrokus Ranch: Primitive Home Décor, Antiques

Booth #745                             Molly’s Barkery Homemade Dog Treats

Both # 764                              Windchimes/Crafts from Lambright Country Chimes

Booth #660                             2 Sisters Glass Garden Antique Glass Lawn Ornaments, Solar Powered Light Sticks

Booths 765-66                        B&L Woodcrafts

Booth 821                               Glicks’ Lawn Furniture

Booth 909                               Pete Safarin Antiques, Collectibles, Crafts, Signs

Various booths                        Hanging Baskets, Herbs, Bedding Plants from Local Growers

For More information, go online to www.ShipshewanaFleaMarket.com.

Once you arrive at the Flea Market and if you have questions, find either the Information Booth or the Flea Market Office, both located just east of the Main Entrance at the Misc/Antique Building.