The Barrie Automotive Flea Market is a family tradition

If it moves, you’ll find it later this week at the Barrie Automotive Flea Market.

Thursday through Sunday, Sept. 6-9, Burl’s Creek Event Grounds up Highway 11 becomes home to acres of four-wheeled marvels of all shapes, sizes and ages.

What “drives” folks there? For sure, says the TV advertising, “It’s the cars!”

And the exciting part of this year’s fall fair, the 48th edition, according to spokesperson Lisa Groves, is the element of surprise.

“We never know exactly what cars vendors are bringing to sell or what vehicles are coming for the car show or car sales,” Groves says.  “That is part of the reason people attend twice a year, to see what has perhaps come out of the barn.”

Now, if you’re not a devotee of the Model A or the Studebaker, Groves says there are still loads of items to strike your fancy, though most of them are auto-related.

“There are loads of antiques, collectibles, wearables and children’s toys. There is always inventory to entice all ages of the entire family.”

Cars of all shapes and sizes and vintages find love at events such as this.

“I believe that people of all ages have an interest in a particular style, make, or model of vehicle that is tied to memory of a time in their life -- perhaps driving in Grandpa’s Ford station wagon backwards, or Dad’s Camaro convertible on a summer night for ice cream.

“Other vehicles are used to create resto mods, hot rods, rat rods, dragsters… Automotive enthusiasts are a very creative, talented bunch.”

And if you’ve got a yen to fix up the “old bus,” Groves suggests you might just be able to find the part to help you do it.

“It would all depend on what project is on the agenda for the winter. Tires, motors, frames, bodies, and there seems to always be several people walking out with exhaust and high-performance parts and pieces.”

To add to the suspense, Groves says, “some vendors don’t even know what they are bringing until they start loading their trucks and trailers. There is 16 kilometres of roadways (here) to walk and shop the booths.”

She concludes, “Attending the Barrie Automotive Flea Market is a family tradition, some groups include four generations.”

Burl’s Creek is on Line 8, just off Highway 11, in Oro-Medonte. 

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