In the year 2003 the market celebrated it's 35^th year Friendship Associates, Inc. has held the flea market in Friendship, Indiana.  The founders of the flea market Tom & Rosemary Kerr held the first show in August of 1968, there were 14 booths set up.  In the spring of 1969 they had 47 vendors, that fall 148 set-ups.  It has grown over the years and the market now boasts approximately 500 vendor spaces.  It has developed into a huge success, more than ever hoped.  The Flea Market is located just one mile east of town on St. Rd. #62 and has 2 – 9 day shows every year in June and September, the same days as the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association hold their Spring and Fall Shoot.  The show always falls the 2nd full weekend through the 3rd full weekend of June and September.  The market opens daily at 9AM and the attendance swells to heavy on the weekends. During the week, it is easier to move around and browse the displays.

Everything imaginable and a lot you never knew existed can be found at the flea market.  Look for unlimited treasures including, furniture, knives, guns, antiques, jewelry, clothes, rugs, toys, tools, lots of leather and related items to the more primitive.  That goes with the surroundings and some of the patrons authentically dress in buckskins, loincloths, pilgrim wear etc. you will see it all during this 9 day get together.

Be sure to dress how you feel comfortable, plan to stay the day and take in everything. You won’t go hungry; every isle has a different aroma.  Enjoy Mexican, Scrumptious Sausage sandwiches, Texas BBQ, Corn Dogs, melt in your mouth steak sandwiches and don’t forget those Buffalo Burgers or that more traditional pizza……desserts will tempt you too with Creamy Whip, Elephant ears and Funnel cakes with any topping your heart desires.

There are buggy rides available to take you to and from town, allowing you to visit the NMLRA and more market spaces downtown Friendship.  It just doesn’t end early, stay late and enjoy the campfire and live country music with Dale Hill and the Whisky River Band.  They have been bringing music to this quaint little valley nightly at the Flea Market for 20 years, music starts at 9PM slow time.

Due to vendor and continued customer patronage many improvements have been made, there is plenty of parking, clean restrooms with showers and paved roads that makes it easy to push those strollers around.  This is a family event and all are invited.

This Southeastern Indiana attraction isn’t the place to drive through if you’re in a hurry, so plan to come and enjoy your day. Some just can’t see it all in a day so if you like to extend it bring your camping supplies. If you stick that camera in your bag you might get some snapshots of Pioneers and Indians in authentic dress. This feeling of yesteryear, thankfully, is not forgotten in Friendship, Indiana.

For additional information concerning reservations for vendor space or camping information, phone 859-341-9188 or 859-341-1400 or when the market is open call us at the market 812-667-5645. Or, you can Email Jan at, :  friendflea@aol.com

For a tour of the Flea Market visit the website at www.friendshipfleamarket.com