The sleepy little town of Brimfield, located 23 miles east of Springfield in Hampden County (and just to the east of Sturbridge), has a population of about 3,300 and a picturesque New England town common. Founded the year before George Washington was born, in 1731, its 35 square miles lie in a scenic open valley surrounded by hills. But it's not the town's scenery or its historical significance that bring most visitors to Brimfield. It's the phenomenon known as the Brimfield Antiques and Collectibles Show.

Three times a year, in May, July and September, to the delight of as many as 130,000 visitors, more than 6,000 dealers set up their wares for six days along a one-mile stretch of Route 20. The largest and oldest outdoor antiques show in the world, the "Brimfield Flea Markets" (as it's affectionately called by many) is actually a collection of 23 fields run by individual promoters. Within this colorful, circus-like landscape of tents and tarps (the show operates rain or shine), serious collectors and interested browsers alike can literally find whatever they're looking for — Shaker furniture, Persian rugs, wooden spools, teapots, old postcards, sheet music, juke boxes, memorabilia of all kinds. Indeed, everything that is even remotely antique or collectible has its place at Brimfield.

Though it's fun to buy at Brimfield, it's even more fun to watch. The show is a people-watching paradise. They come from across the Eastern seaboard and from all walks of life. Some folks are on a frantic mission to locate a particular item. Others languorously pick over the tables to ferret out a bargain. Some haggle with the dealers to get the best deal (easiest to do on Sunday, near closing time). Some browse alone. Others travel in packs to cover more territory. And the vendors, some of whom are real characters, are just as interesting. In short, it's a true extravaganza, one that has to be experienced to be believed. And you can do just that this weekend, as the show runs through this Sunday, the 14th.

But lest you think Brimfield is just about "the show," the town has other attractions. Chief among them is the Brimfield State Forest, a rolling, tree-blanketed property with more than 20 miles of roads and trails for hiking, walking, cross-country skiing and horseback riding. Within the forest, the Dean Pond Recreation Area offers fishing, swimming and picnicking along 100 linear feet of beach. Access to the park is from Dean Pond Road.

If you travel through Brimfield Center on Route 20 until you reach Brookfield Road, you'll find the Hitchcock Free Academy Community Center. Founded by Samuel Austin Hitchcock in 1855, this former school now offers adults classes and workshops in everything from aerobics and Reiki to ballroom dancing and sign language. They've also got a full youth program. Primarily geared for residents of Brimfield, Holland, Sturbridge, Wales and surrounding communities, the center is open to all.

Chances are you'll discover Brimfield (like we did) by attending the antiques show. Or perhaps you'll beat the summer heat with a hike through the state forest. Maybe you'll attend an event at the Hitchcock. Whatever the circumstances, however, Brimfield is a town worth investigating.

For more information about the Brimfield Antiques and Collectibles Shows follow this link.
http://www.brimfieldshow.com/seeing-the-show.htm

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