Your local guide to the Sussex Flea Market!
On the third weekend of August, (Aug 20 to 22, 2010) the Sussex region rolls out the red carpet
to nearly 20,000 bargain hunters from around North America. Whether you're searching for a rare auto part or simply
spending a leisurely hour browsing, it's a summer extravaganza you need to see for yourself.
Up to 900 vendors and 1,000 tables of bargains are packed into Princess Louise Park in the centre of town over the three
days. Antique vehicle parts and household goods, collectables and handicrafts are all available on one of the most
fun weekends of the year.
Before you get here
Before you leave home
Sussex is in south central New Brunswick, approximately an hour away from the cities of Moncton, Saint
John and the New Brunswick capital, Fredericton.
From the west, take the TransCanada Highway to Exit 365 before following Route 10 to Sussex.
From the east, you have the option to follow the TransCanada Highway to Exit 365 and on to Route 10,
or you can take Route 1, and take either exit 198 (Sussex Corner) or 195 (Four Corners -- look for the red Frenchy's
building or the big Holstein cows) into town.
From Maine, cross into Canada at St. Stephen/Calais before following Highway 1 (MacKay Highway) two
hours to Sussex at Exit 192.
Find
If you have a camper and are one of the lucky ones to get a parking spot close to the flea market, make
sure your vehicle is self-contained. There is no public parking or camping on the venue grounds. The
three temporary parking lots that allow overnight stays (at the Sussex armouries, Marble Street, or the Eveleigh Street parking)
do not offer electricity, sewer or other supporting services. However, the many campgrounds on the outskirts of
town are more than pleased to welcome camp trailers and tenters alike.
If a family member must reach you at the flea market in case of an emergency, the Sussex RCMP may be reached
at 433-7700 during office hours.
The New Brunswick RCMP Tourist Alert can also be contacted toll free at 1-800-665-6663.
In
case of accidents, fire or other emergencies while visiting New Brunswick, call 911.
Take an inventory of any collections you already have. This weekend is one of the best chances
to add to your stash. Gentlemen, you will enjoy browsing a wide range of sports cards, military badges or medals, sports collectables
and other items. Ladies, this is your weekend for pottery, jewelry, books, furniture and that unique item you want for your
kitchen or living room. Note which ones you would like to find on flea market weekend.
Furniture buyers would do well to do the same thing. Measure the space of where you would like the piece to go, and note
the colour and design you would like. Antiques are a popular feature of the flea market, and knowing where you will display
your newest addition only adds to the fun of the day.
For the comfort and safety of both shoppers and pets, please leave your pets at home. The
public is allowed to ONLY bring service dogs on to the venue grounds.
The footing in Princess Louise Park is mostly dirt, grass and gravel. Bring wagons, children's
strollers or wheelchairs with wider tires to make navigating the occasionally uneven ground easier. Town crews
do a great job maintaining the park, yet thousands of shoppers can create rough going in places over the three days.
For the physically challenged
Visitors who use motorized wheelchairs or scooters may wish to park for the day in the paved lot at Mrs. Dunster's
store at the corner of Leonard Drive and Eveleigh Street. A limited number of spots are available here and fill very quickly.
A good second choice is the Sussex High School, also on Leonard Drive, which has a large paved parking lot a 10-minute walk
from the flea market venue. Your third choice might be O'Connell Park, on the corner of Leonard Drive and Main Street, with
its flat gravel parking.
The public is allowed to ONLY bring service dogs on to the venue grounds.
Traveling here
The fastest way to reach Princess Louise Park is from either Highway Exit 195 (Four Corners
-- look for the red Frenchy's building or the big Holstein cows) or Exit 198 (Sussex Corner).
Visitor information centres
*
Youngs Cove (Highway Exit 365, junction of TransCanada Highway and Highway 10) Tel: (506) 362-2632
* Sussex Train Station, 66 Broad St, downtown Sussex.
Parking
There is plenty of convenient off-street parking on three sides of Princess Louise Park, just five
to 15 minutes' walk away. This means you can quickly get down to deal hunting after you arrive. And you
will find it easy to stash your loot and get back to shopping again and again! However, these lots fill very quickly,
so you're strongly encouraged to both carpool where possible and arrive early.
Some parking lots are operated as fundraisers for Sussex area non-profit groups (average rate $4 per day), while
others are available free of charge. There are several entrance points to the park over the weekend, making it easier
to navigate through the 100 acres. Note which gate you use when you arrive to make finding your vehicle easier.
Accommodation
If you are hoping to make a weekend of it, the Sussex area has a variety of
accommodation options, with
motels and campgrounds just minutes from the flea market venue. You are strongly urged to book your room or camping spaces early, even up to
a year in advance, to ensure your spot.
BlueBird Motel, Four Corners, Sussex 433-2557
Fairway Inn, Roachville 433-3470
Timberland Motor Inn and Restaurant, Penobsquis 433-2480
Campgrounds
Lone Pine Park Campgrounds and Cabins 45 Lone Pine Rd, Penobsquis 433-4007
Pine Cone Camping, Rte. 114, Sussex 433-4389
Three Bears Family Camping, 12049 Rte 114, Penobsquis 433-2870
Town and Country Campark, 133 Aiton Rd, Sussex 432-9114
New to the flea market?
The essentials:
1. sunscreen
2. your water bottle
3. broad brimmed hat
4. a good pair of walking shoes.
Good-to-haves:
1. shopping or tote bags
2. knapsack or wagon with bungee cords
3. notepad and pencil
4. measuring tape
5. cell phone
6. umbrella
7. folding chair as outdoor seating is very limited
8. business cards with your contact info to share with vendors of items you may want to buy from later.
Blankets and rope are also a good idea if you are shopping for furniture or other large, easily damaged items.
Note:
Weather conditions on Flea Market weekend can range from blazing hot temperatures in the 30s to rains that turn the grounds into a muddy mess.
Serious bargain hounds are urged to come prepared for either. Check the weather in Sussex
here to be best prepared when you arrive.
Bring lots of small currency. Loonies, toonies, fives and ten-dollar bills are best. This makes it easier
for bargaining as vendors don't have to make change.
Most sales are final, so be sure of the size, colour and design of any items you are specifically shopping
for. Carrying a list of measurements for the spot you want to put a new table or the size of the door you will be carrying
your finds through will save disappointment later. Bringing photographs of existing items you want to match any finds with
is also a good idea.
If you are planning to cover a large block of the sale, you may wish to start at the point farthest from where you parked.
That way, you will work back towards your vehicle, meaning less distance to walk when you are tired and loaded down with
your finds. This also allows you to quickly scan booths for items you may want to get right away. Allow a full afternoon to
see most of the booths.
Carpool where possible when visiting with a group. Also, be sure to arrange a meeting place and time
should you get separated. The town quadruples in size that weekend, and it's easy to lose your friends in the
crowd. Agreeing to meet at the Eighth Hussars sports centre entrance at 4 pm, for instance, can save a lot of worry on all
sides.
Emergencies
The Sussex Seniors Centre, (the beige building with the porch in the middle of Princess Louise Park), is the
main information centre of the event. Visitors are encouraged to check in about lost or found items or missing members
of your party there.
If a family member is trying to reach you in case of an emergency, the Sussex RCMP may be reached at 433-7700.
In case of accidents, fire or other emergencies, call 911.
Making the most of your visit
Knapsacks, wagons or hand buggies are popular carriers with shoppers, as neither motorized vehicles
nor bicycles are allowed on the flea market grounds.
Bringing a folding chair or other seating is a good idea as public seating is very limited outdoors.
One aisle in the centre of the park is dedicated to canteen services, making it easy to refuel for
the rest of your shopping adventure. Other food service booths can be found along Eveleigh Avenue. Several vendors
offer cold soft drinks or bottled water. When you are ready for a more substantial meal, there are several good family
restaurants within a 10-minute walk of the park.
Seniors, families with young children, and those with mobility challenges will find the 8th Hussars Sports Centre
the easiest to navigate.
Family-friendly washrooms and bleacher seating make it easy to take a break, and the more than 30 inside booths
feature plenty of crafts and antiques. The gravel area surrounding the sports centre also provides lots of browsing for those
who use a walker.
There are rest stops with limited seating around the sale grounds. Portable washrooms are liberally scattered
around the outdoor booths.
Parents with young children, bring all the supplies you need, and you will find the most family-friendly
washrooms inside the 8th Hussars Sports Centre. Burton Park, between Main Street and the sports centre, provides plenty of
shaded, quiet spots when you and your children want to relax. The O'Connell Park playground, at the corner
of Leonard Drive and Main Street, is another favourite spot for families to unwind.
Visitors with mobility challenges will find the more than 60 sale booths in the 8th Hussars Sports
Centre, Golden Jubillee Hall and in the gravel parking lot between the two buildings the easiest to access. While few
special parking spaces are set aside for seniors or the disabled, parking lot operators will often do their best to accommodate
your needs. Public parking is not permitted at the sports centre that weekend. Also, no bicycles are allowed
on the grounds. Paved parking at Mrs. Dunster's Donuts (corner of Eveleigh Avenue and Leonard Drive) or the Sussex
Armoury (Leonard Drive, opposite the main Princess Louise Park entrance) are good choices, with easy access to sidewalks.
Sussex High School, a further five-minute walk away along Leonard Drive, is another solid option.
The Seniors Centre, (the beige building with the porch in the middle of Princess Louise Park), is the main information
centre of the event. Check in there about lost or found items, or missing members of your party. They can also help
arrange to move any large items you may purchase over the weekend to your vehicle for a small charge.
If you prefer your bargain hunting on a smaller scale, several local residents hold their own yard sales that weekend.
Keep an eye for notices directing you to sales around the communities. It's a winning combination of bargains and beautiful
scenery that will make your visit even more enjoyable.
* *
There are plenty of other
fun things to do in Sussex after you have finished shopping for the day. Take in a movie at the
Sussex Drive-In, or view our
26 murals in our stunning outdoor art gallery. You may also want to explore the
16 covered bridges in Kings County, eight of which are within a 15-minute drive of town.
* *
Participating in the flea market
Vendors wishing to book a booth at this wildly popular event are asked to contact
Barb Stewart at barbs@nb.sympatico.ca or by telephone (506) 454-8501.
The cost of a 30-foot by 20-foot space is $30, tax included.
To reserve a space, applications must be mailed, with a cheque or money order, to: Barb Stewart, 296 Magnolia
Lane, Fredericton, NB E3B 7P4
