The 1998 Shows were again, a huge success, with Brimfield remaining the undisputed country's (world's?) largest outdoor antique and collectible show. The July show holds the attendance record for the year.   Typically, the Town of Brimfield anticipates seeing 35,000 visitors per show, although some estimates are being circulated around the dealer and promoter circles that indicate the July show saw upwards of 100,000 visitors for the week, based on aerial photos and grid counts of parking areas. We are skeptical of such claims, but can attest to the fact that the July show was the most well-attended show of all time.  As has been typical of all Brimfield shows, (and even though the visitor counts are high), because of the physical size of the show, being spread out over a mile's length of Route 20, seldom does the size of the crowd feel oppressive.  (Except on opening day of individual shows, where, even then, the traffic is contained and managed well by the individual promoters.)

Crime has never been a problem, the local police are there in force, both clothed, on bike and in plainclothes.  and we've observed a trend towards fewer pets --and more children in strollers over the past five years.  Also, obvious to everyone who's been a recent attender, the size and number of food courts has grown to accommodate the crowds. While J&J has plenty of seating capacity and the standard dependable fare and quality, The New England Motel is the site of the largest and most diverse food offering. (Our personal favorites are the Smoked Bar-b-que and (fresh) Lobster Sandwich stands).   Also, do stop by our favorite spot of all - Francesco's, and say hello to Louie and Rosa - tell them we said hi!  (Their sauce is unbeatable, the fried mozzerella is a meal unto itself, as is everything else!)

The town recently was awarded a state grant for construction of benches, sidewalks, bikelanes and period lighting, designed to create a more safe (traffic-wise) and turn-of-the-century feel. We're waiting to see when and if the Town ever gets around to the construction. Off season, it's a sleepy town of 3000 and things tend to move more slowly here...

We, at brimfieldshow.com, have received many -numerous- requests from visitors to the site suggesting that we create a page that details the type of goods and wares sold by dealers and where they can be found at the show.  Well, wouldn't we love to!  Unfortunately, the promoters consider their lists of dealers proprietary and do not give out dealer names.  Someone would physically have to go to each field and talk to each dealer to compile such a list.   An impossible task.  (volunteers?)  We'll list any Brimfield (only please) dealers who care to send in the pertinent info.

For now, we'll roll back in the carpet until next May 10, when we hope to see you all back safe and sound. We'll be posting holiday (and winter - if we ever have any) photos from around town shortly, so please check back in often!
Best wishes for a safe, happy and healthy 1999!
Wayne Hodges, President, brimfieldshow.com