Thompson Flea Market this Weekend
Thompson, CT — It is one of the largest and most diversified events of its kind held anywhere and it is this weekend, November 3rd and 4th, at the Thompson International speedway. For the 41st consecutive year, the speedway gates will open for Don Hoenig’s Original Automotive Swap Meet and Flea Market. This annual event draws some 1,500 dealers and literally thousands of buyers during the two-day event.
Nearly 100 acres of the sprawling Thompson International Speedway complex are filled with items of virtually every description. While primarily an automotive event, it has grown over the years to include much, much more than car and truck parts. Buyers will find a huge variety of new and used items for sale at more than reasonable prices. Race cars and parts, trucks, trailers, tools, crafts, motorcycles, ATVs, tires and wheels are just a few of the thousands of items displayed each year.
Those who intend to display items for sale may take advantage of an early setup by arriving on Friday, November 2nd between 10 AM and 8 PM. For a nominal fee of $25.00, they are allowed to select an area of their preference and get their displays fully prepared for the 7 AM opening to the buying public on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Those choosing to arrive on Saturday or Sunday will be assigned display areas based on a first-come, first-served basis. Gates will open on both Saturday and Sunday for sellers at 5 AM. Vendor’s spaces are 30’ X 15’ in size and are priced at $75.00 for the weekend. Sellers, who come from all over the eastern U.S., may purchase as many spaces as they need to display their items.
Many sellers arrive with huge displays of brand new items and make those items available at a fraction of their suggested retail prices. Others arrive with a pickup truck filled to capacity with items they no longer need and simply want to turn them into cash. Many displays fall between these two and offer a tremendous variety of both new and used parts and accessories. It is a haven for anyone looking to restore a vehicle, get started in almost any kind of racing, stock up on spare parts or complete a tool or accessory inventory.
For hundreds of buyers and sellers, it is a full weekend of fun and exploration. Wheeling and dealing, a New England tradition, is always part of the fun that makes this event so special not to mention finding that rare treasure that you’ve been trying to find for years. Admission is just $11.00 and free camping is offered by the track to those who wish to stay in their self-contained campers.
Those looking for more information may call the track office at 860-923-2280 or may visit the track’s web site. www.thompsonspeedway.com
Sources: Russ Dowd/Thompson International Speedway PR