I’ve been waiting with anticipation for months to see if the Lucketts Spring Market is happening again this year and…IT IS!
Those who weren’t there last year are probably thinking, “Well, of course! It happens every year. Why wouldn’t it happen this year?”
If you have an amazing memory (or you lived through it), you’ll remember that we had massive amounts of rain the days leading up to the market. In fact, one of my tents collapsed under the weight of the water before the event even started. I wasn’t the only one with woes. The amazing ladies who coordinate Lucketts were dealing with vendor spaces that were flooded out or had become mud pits, stuck vehicles and an entire 10 acre field that is usually used for parking had to be closed. They tried to warn shoppers, but the hype that usually works to everyone’s favor had snowballed and it was too late.
With a steady stream of eager shoppers, the fields that were dry enough for parking filled fast and then the cars started backing up. The traffic on Rt.15 was backed up for miles in both directions. Brides and caterers were late for weddings at the local vineyards. Shoppers ditched their cars on the grassy shoulder of Rt. 15 for at least a mile in either direction of the market, causing even more congestion. Furniture and finds were being hauled up and down the road, because there was just no other way to get them home. Eventually, the police had to step in and started towing cars to clear the two lane country road that couldn’t handle the unfortunate sequence of events.
Surprisingly, our booth still had huge day at the market and most of the shoppers I spoke to had a good attitude about all of the craziness. Understandably, there were some who had a terrible day of sitting in traffic for hours, making a long trip only to be turned away, or getting a car stuck or towed. It was really hard on the organizers for Lucketts, who did absolutely everything they could do to make things work. I know the owner of the Lucketts Store was out parking cars herself and teaching people how to use their 4 x 4 drive to keep from getting stuck. It was enough to make them wonder if it was even worth doing ever again.
They asked for input from the county and the vendors and I’m sure a lot of other people as well! Should the Lucketts Spring Market retire? The answer from everyone was a resounding NO! The market is a beloved event that has gone on every other year without towed cars, late brides and torrents of rain. Oh, we’ve had rain, collapsed tents, muddy fields and traffic, but never on that scale. Last year was a “perfect storm” and it would be a shame to retire the event because of it.
There are some changes, though, and if you’re planning on shopping this year, you’ll want to read this –
The hours of the fair are being extended. It’s always been a Saturday – Sunday event, but it will be open on Friday this year. That means, if you’re a first-dibs kind of shopper, put in your vacation request and make plans to come on Friday! Now, there is a hitch. The entrance fee for Friday is at a premium – $40. It’s high, because they want serious buyers and they don’t want huge crowds on Friday. There will be longer hours for Saturday, since that is usually the busiest day. Here are the hours and entrance fees for the Lucketts Spring Market 2015…
Friday, May 15: 10 am – 5 pm ($40)
Saturday, May 16: 8 am – 5 pm ($10)
Sunday, May 17: 10 am – 5 pm ($10)
I’ve already started my shopping to get ready for the extended hours and try to outdo my booth from last year.
Me and my crew will be there and we hope to see you there, too!
Retire the show? Oh no please don’t! It is by far my most favorite and I travel 6 hours with excitement and anticipation of treasures galore. I’m like that car with the dog that hangs it’s head out the window enjoying the breeze!
Unfortunately this year I will be on my first cruise in the Caribbean and miss it. Not a bad thing but my heart will be at Lucketts. I’m thinking a fall run will fix that!
Have fun it’s a wonderful show regardless of the bumps!
you look adorable, marian, and your booth looks perfectly enticing. i may just have to crash the party this year and shop for lucketts luvley. peace to you right where you are.
Hello Marian….Love all that you do! What is the color of the lovely cupboard that house your ironstone pitchers? It is beautiful. Thank you, Lori
Boy I am glad this is not the year they decide to retire the market, because it is the year I decided to talk the Mr. into driving down from Canada!! Looking forward to May 🙂
Rain or shine, the show must go on! YAHOO!!! Making plans for May.
It would be a shame to retire such a great show but last years show should be a real lesson to the shows planners and organizers. I certainly hope that county officials have meet with the planners of this years show to develop a better back-up plan for parking in case of bad weather where the fields are closed.
This means providing shuttle buses to carry show-goers to and from satellite parking lots. The organizers need to let vendors and show-goers know how they are addressing these issues when they post information on the 2015 show.
Last years event became a real public safety concern for the police and organizers. Route 15 is a busy two lane road that wasn’t meant to accommodate heavy foot traffic with show-goers parking on the shoulders and walking a mile or more to the show. I have already read where some vendors at last years show will not be participating in this years show which is a shame.
My husband and I were there the day before it opened and it was crazy then. We were watching people trying to open a car because someone locked their keys inside. We really wanted to hang around but we were returning from a trip to Virginia to look for a place to move. We first visited Lucketts almost 4 years ago because I had read about it on your blog. I can’t wait to return.
You may have posted it, but I’ve clearly missed it..what is the address to this event?
Never mind to my comment lol I read more closely and found the address to the event!
OH, MY! OH, MY! What a storm and commotion for such a huge show. I read all of this in awe and was trying to picture it all. Nightmare for so many, but love the positive attitudes that shine through. Have fun! This will need to be on my bucket list for sure now!!!
My mother and I will be there again this year. It will be our third year coming and has become a Mother/Daughter trip. I booked our reservations back in Dec. I’m shocked at the $40 premium price. It’s seems steep. I am one to stand in long lines to get there early to your booth. I’m so sure it’s going to make things less crazy in your booth. LOL Your hubby and my mother were my extra hands for my purchases. I was handing Ironstone over to Jeff.
One thing I have to say are the people you meet at these events are wonderful. One lady had two Wreathes in her hand and offered one to my mother. I saw perfect strangers helping each other in your booth. The weekend is always a special event. And, you Marian add to making it fun, exciting and special.
What is the address, nearest town, nearest large town , nearest regular airport (not a local airport!)? Thank you very much. I am determined to get there!!
The nearest airport is Dulles (IAD) in Virginia. The nearest town is Leesburg, VA.
Thanks for posting this Marian! I would never miss this event, nor the chance to see my favorite Mustard Seed clain in action! It’s in pen on my calendar. I call it “My Personal Xmas!” But this new development — opening on Friday? That’s really going to be a big change for everyone, isn’t it? I can’t imagine not being there for the start, but the $40 is hefty plus the work day…. what’s a girl to do? Do you think all the vendors will set up in full for Friday, or will you bring out new/additional goods for the “common folk” on Saturday? No that would be silly right? I guess I’ll have to be all in for Friday morning!
Looking forward to May,
Caroline
Yes, they set it high intentionally, so it would keep the crowd to serious shoppers only. It definitely is a big change, so we’ll see how it goes this year!
Wow!! Sounds like it was a crazy event last year! Kinda glad it didn’t work out for me to make the 5.5 hour drive. Would hate to have been turned away. Super excited that I will be there for the very first time this year! Just booked my stay!! It happens to fall on our anniversary weekend and my husband lovingly agreed that an antiquing adventure would be fun!! Especially excited to visit your booth. I always enjoy the eye candy on the blog every year! We will probably be there on the Sunday event. Do you think there will be many goodies left of the 3rd day?? I so hope so!! So excited I can hardly stand it!
you look super cute!
Happy to hear the show is going to happen. I have did some shows in some nasty weather, but nothing like that. You never know with an outside show…so much work, but tons of fun and you meet amazing people.
So glad they decided to keep going! Hoping to make it this year since I will not be having a baby. 😉