The Madison-Bouckville Antiques Weekend celebrates its 50th anniversary this summer with its June and August shows. Started by Jock Hengst with one field on one weekend in 1971 to generate business for the historic Landmark Tavern at the Route 20 crossroads, the show had about 40 dealers in the beginning. The weekend was so successful that in little more than five years, the big field was approaching 1,000 exhibitors, and a series of satellite fields opened. In 2019, there were 14 distinct fields in the area, situated between Syracuse and Hamilton, N.Y.
Over the years, names have changed, owners have retired and sold to other show managers, but Madison-Bouckville continues to be one of the country’s premier opportunities for finding great early American antiques. Among the larger fields, Cider House Antiques has been adding several features since being taken over by Jim and Ruth Dutcher a decade ago, including free parking, a large campground and good food service.
The Out Front Show is across the road and one of the markets with a permanent building, giving weather protection for the exhibitors. East Expo is only two booths deep from the street but is about a quarter-mile long, with several multi-dealer tents. Allan and Rachel Buyce bought Quaker Acres West recently and have plans for at least 150 exhibitors and parking in the rear.
In total, there are 14 show fields all with free admission, but some do charge for parking. Typically, there are 2,000 dealers exhibiting for the market in August and a little less in June.
Specific show days are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, June 3, 4, and 5, and from Monday to Sunday, Aug. 15 to 21. The day prior to each listed show date is set-up day for the dealers, with some fields allowing shoppers entrance. Hotels for visitors and dealers are in Utica and Syracuse, as well as in the nearby college town, Hamilton. This country crossroads is about 25 miles south of Syracuse and southwest of Utica.
Contact information is listed for 12 of the show fields at www.madison-bouckville.com. There are links on the website for individual show promoters.