Shipshewana Flea Market announces changes for 2019 season

(Photo supplied/Shipshewana Flea Market)

The Shipshewana Flea Market will kick off the 2019 season on Tuesday, May 7th and has announced changes to its upcoming season including the introduction of weekend markets.

For the first time ever in the 80 years of the Shipshewana Flea Market, there will be vendors set up for two Friday and Saturday weekend markets in 2019. The weekend markets are scheduled for June 14-15 (Dog Days theme) and August 16-17 (Mother/Daughter theme).

“One of the most common questions we get here is ‘why aren’t you ever open on weekends?” said Lora Gates, marketing director of Shipshewana Trading Place. “We’re excited to introduce these themed weekend markets, which will just be like a normal flea market where anyone can come, except with special giveaways and activities related to the theme.”

Other changes announced are the new hours (Tuesdays & Wednesdays, May 7 – September 25, 2019 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. as well as Memorial Day, 4th of July and Labor Day), plus a new “Farmer’s Market” section located near the Southeast side of the market.

“The Farmer’s Market section is moving more towards the center of the market to make it more accessible for vendors and customers alike,” said Michael Christner, director for Shipshewana Flea Market. “Customers will still be able to drive up to pick up their plants and produce, and vendors will be able to have more space to unload their items.”

Shipshewana Flea Market boasts nearly 700 spaces of vendors selling their wares on 40 acres in the 3rd largest Amish Community in the US. “There’s so much to do here,” said Market Manager Michael Christner. “You can come to the flea market and spend the day shopping; you can bid at the Antique Auction and you can explore the town.”

For more information on the flea market or auction, visit www.shipshewanafleamarket.com or call 260-768-4129.