Springfield Extravaganza: Top 10 Reasons I Love This Epic Event! Part 2
Last week you heard me singing the praises of the fabulous Springfield EXTRAVAGANZA and why I LOVE this flea market so much! My top ten list started with the top 5 which were: sheer scale, friendly people, indoor/outdoor spaces, handmade items, and a huge variety of items. This week it continues! So, here is the second half of my top ten list… reasons why I LOVE this epic event!
6. people from all over
One of the things I like best is chatting with the vendors. I am always in awe to hear how long they have been collecting or to find out how far they come to participate in this fabulous flea. It’s crazy to think that dealers from almost all of the states come to Springfield just to sell their treasures. Even the customers travel far and wide… from all over the country… even Europe and Asia. How amazing is that?
7. Great food
Well, I just had to mention it. When you come to an enormous event and walk miles and miles while treasure hunting, you tend to get very hungry. They have Amish pretzels, grilled chicken, hamburgers, wood-fired pizza, and ice cream … over 30 food places! YUM! But the one vendor that we look forward to the most is Schmidt’s, with all their tasty German food! Bring on the brats, cream puffs, and beer!
8. plants fresh and dried
Come spring and autumn they do have PLANTS! And, as you may know, I am very fond of foliage! They have seasonal perennials, annuals, as well as potted mums and pumpkins in the fall. And recently we have even seen the JUJU Plant Co. She sells adorable houseplants out of her traveling green bus! It is super GROOVY!
9. beautiful displays
I don’t want to over-sell it… most vendors have their goods displayed on an open table, some use tents, but some go all out! Oh my goodness, some of the dealer displays are GORGEOUS! To think that they set this all up just for a weekend show… it’s simply wonderful!
10. one-day adventure
When my family and I go, we try to pack it ALL in! It’s a one-day adventure for us! We prepare the night before, get up at the crack of dawn, drive an hour and a half, and then enjoy a FULL day of treasure hunting, delicious food, and FUN! But, maybe the BEST part is spending the day surrounded by like-minded people who all LOVE and share the same LOVE of vintage! There is such excitement and anticipation in the air… it’s an incredible feeling!
If only wishes could come true, I would wish for the EXTRAVAGANZA to happen each and every month! But alas, it is only two times a year. And, I understand, because it is such a huge undertaking and involves so many vendors! Wow, the amount of time, energy, and planning that must go into this event is mind-boggling! That’s what makes it so special! So let’s cherish these special moments! Let’s enjoy the last few months of flea market season! And most importantly… let’s get HOMEY!
Some of my purchased favorites
- Please visit my Homey Blue Heron Etsy Shop for great vintage finds!
- Please visit the “Shop – My Amazon Favorites” tab for a collection of some of my all-time favorite Amazon purchases. I am an Amazon Affiliate and any purchases you make will help support my blog! (paid links).
- If you are in the area, please come see my booth (#252) at the Ohio Valley Antique Mall.
- If you enjoyed this post, see my earlier article, “Vintage Ohio Pottery: What Makes Hull So Wonderful?“
