Would like some advice on the Brimfield Antique Fair that's coming up in Brimfield, MA. from 5/9-5/14. For those of you who have been there, what's it like? Is it still as good as it used to be? What is the fee and parking cost?

I also understand that there is a section with more high-end antiques and items. If so, what section is that? Is bargaining with the vendors part of the norm? Thank you for any tips or advice that you can provide!

most of your questions can be answered on the brimfield page, particularly the faq section on:
http://www.brimfield.com/html/brimfieldfaqvisitors.htm

bring your walking shoes....and hope you already have a rezzie if you are staying overnight, but the main page for the show has suggestions or you can stay further out and get an early start.

As far as is it as good as it used to be...depends on what you are looking for, I've been 3 times in the past ten years or so but never left empty handed ..or you can have things shipped for a cost ..if you are looking for something particular, or like a vendor, you can also connect later by phone/email for future purchases of interest - wear good walking shoes and make sure if you are looking for furniture you have any and all possible measurements with you for spaces you are looking to fill in your home! and don't forget water!

I've been a couple of times in the past two years. I can't say whether it's as good as it used to be, since I'd never gone before, but it is a huge fair with an incredible array of offerings, from high end antique furniture to a lot of really random old stuff (and some not so old, but I suppose collectible). It is a lot of fun to poke around, you can hardly believe how much there is for sale there. I don't know about there being a section with more high-end items, both times I went I only made my way through about three of the fields, and things seemed pretty mixed between high quality and a hodge-podge of almost anything you can think of. We only went to the fields that didn't charge an entry fee, so maybe those that do have a better selection of high-end things. I'm no antiques expert, so I can't really judge how valuable the merchandise was, but we had a good time looking at everything (and even buying a few items).. I can't remember what we paid to park, probably somewhere between $5 and $10. And, yes, bargaining with the vendors is very much part of the norm, and the fun. You can get a lot of helpful information at this website: <http://www.brimfieldshow.com/>. Are you a serious collector, or just looking for a fun experience? Whichever, I think you'll enjoy the fair.

Many thanks, escargot and Sara, for your information. Looking at the website, I now see that it is the J & J section that has more high-end items as well as the small entrance fee.

Anyone else with more feedback for me?

Wear comfie shoes
bring water
back pack or fanny pack to put dealers cards in and a pen for notes

put lots of cash in your ATM before you leave home so if you find something that dealer wants cash only you can do it

if you have a van/suv/etc and might likely be transporting a chest or table back home, throw in some beach blankets or something for cushioning the trip home...

depending on weather forecast/ sunscreen/hat/sunglasses or small umbrella

It'a a great day- visual and sensory overload but lots of fun. Enjoy.