In the year 2011 the market celebrated it's 43rd year in Friendship, Indiana. The founders of the flea market, Tom and Rosemary Kerr, held the first show in August of 1968, when there were 14 booths set up. In the spring of 1969 they had 47 vendors, and by 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 9 a.m. and the attendance swells to heavy on the weekends. During the week, it is easier to move around and browse the displays. Most vendors stay open until 8 a.m., and some will remain open as late as 9 p.m.
Big Bras & Panties for Big Babes
Everything imaginable 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. Feel free to observe some of the patrons authentically dressed in buckskins, loincloths, and pioneer garb. This feeling of yesteryear, thankfully, is not forgotten in Friendship, Indiana.
The Friendship Crew in the late 1990's
Be sure to dress how you feel comfortable, plan to stay the day and take in everything. You won’t go hungry; every aisle has a different aroma. Enjoy BBQ, sausages, corn dogs, steak sandwiches, buffalo burgers or pizza. Desserts will tempt you too with creamy whip, elephant ears and funnel cakes with any topping your heart desires. We also have several food vendors that feature great country breakfasts if you frequent the market in the early hours.
The Whiskey River Band
There are horse-drawn trolley rides available to take you to and from town, allowing you to visit the NMLRA and more market spaces near downtown Friendship. The fun 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 27 years, music starts at 9 a.m. 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 make 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 would like to extend it, bring your camping supplies.
