Now that we are seeing the snow melt it’s time to think about getting out of the house and taking in some of the antique related events that will be taking place in the area.

For antique collectors and dealers, warmer weather means it’s time to check the dates for this year’s Brimfield Antique Show. The 2015 show is scheduled for May 12-17, July 14-19 and September 8-13.

There are other events tied into the week of Brimfield. A vintage fashion and textile show takes place at the Sturbridge Host Hotel the day before the start of each Brimfield session. Marier’s Antiques Flea Market in Palmer runs May 6-11, July 8-13 and September 2-7 allowing buyers the opportunity to get in a little antique hunting before the Brimfield shows open. The Brimfield Paper & Postcard Marathon starts prior to the official start of the show and runs during the show. This year it is scheduled for May 8-16, 2015, Jul 10-18, 2015 and Sep 4-12 at Brimfield Acres  North.

The 48th Annual Grafton Antiques & Arts Fair will run from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM June 20th on the Grafton Common.

I’ve mentioned some of the more well known local flea markets in previous columns: Charlton, Dudley, Grafton and Rietta in Hubbardston. I’ve had great finds in past years at other locations that might be lesser known. The Upton VFW runs a flea market on Saturdays where I have found dealers with some better quality items in the past. The Olde Hadley Flea Market has a good sized field with many antique dealers. I’ve never walked away without finding something. The website www.browsethebrookfields.com lists the West Brookfield Flea Market as taking place on the 3rd Saturday of June which would make it June 20th this year.

We are also running many events that may be of interest to you. I mentioned these in a previous column: March 28th and 29th Newton estate sale, April 1st antique night class for Worcester Schools “Night Life” program, April 12th, Brimfield’s Hitchcock Academy appraisal event and antique seminars every Monday in April at the Goddard House in Worcester.

at Charlton Senior Center

We have many other events scheduled as well. Our next live antique estates auction will take place at 267 Providence St. in Worcester on April 30th. I’ll be appraising items for the Children’s Friend organization’s “Antiques Appraisal Party” fundraiser at Wachusett Mountain’s Granite Room on April 26th. Another appraisal event will be taking place on April 20th at 7:00 PM for the Leicester Historical Society at the Leicester Senior Center. We are firming up dates for an April online estate auction in North Attleboro (more info will be coming on www.centralmassauctions.com). I will also be an appraiser for the Worcester Senior Center’s annual antique appraisal event on June 8th.

I hope that many of you are able to take advantage of the improving weather and get out to some of these shows and events.

Let us know if you know of some good, out of the way spots to find antiques.
Contact us at: Wayne Tuiskula Auctioneer/Appraiser Central Mass Auctions for Antique Auctions, Estate Sales and Appraisal Services www.centralmassauctions.com (508-612- 6111), info@centralmassauctions.com