|
Fleamarket Tips or.....
"How to survive the Sumpter Fleamarkets" 
The Sumpter Fleamarket is one of the largest events in the Northwest..........three times each summer! and here are a few suggestions that might make your experience more enjoyable! Bring cash........! Don't worry, local businesses do accept credit cards and debit cards... but most will not be able to accept large bills ($50.00 or $100.00) or make change and be advised that many vendors do not accept credit or debit cards. At this time, there is no ATM in town. Tip Number 1........... The Sumpter Fleamarkets are always scheduled on a holiday weekend each year: Memorial Day, Independance Day, and Labor Day. The official schedule is always Fri-Mon. The Fleamarket is operated by the City of Sumpter, mainly at the Fairgrounds and downtown at the Sumpter Municipal Museum. However, vendors are allowed to rent space from private property owners throughout town. All Vendors are required to purchase a vending license from the City of Sumpter, regardless if they are on private property or not. Tip Number 2........... 
Even though Vendors are ready for business by 9 am on Fridays....the "best" day of the Fleamarket is usually on Saturday. Vendors usually begin packing late Sunday. Although many vendors stay through Monday afternoon...vendors are allowed to leave early. The Sumpter Valley Railroad Steam Train runs Saturday-Monday of each Fleamarket. SVRY 2012 Schedule Stomp your feet to the music of the Blue Mountain Fiddlers at the old Schoolhouse, 475 N. Mill St. during each Fleamarket.  Tip Number 3........... The Fleamarket is spread throughout Sumpter-be prepared to do some walking! The only paved road in town is Mill St. The streets are watered by the City in order to keep the dust down.  Tip Number 4...........There are two main parking sites in town, but they do tend to fill up early...you can park up at the Fairgrounds on the South end of town, and up at the City Park across from the Stage Stop Gas Station at the North end of town. Tip Number 5........... 
NEO-Transit of Baker City, operates a shuttle service to and from points all over town. It's free, but they do accept donations. They will also give you a ride from Baker City too! If you see the bus on the street, just wave at the driver and he will stop for you. You can also catch the bus at the Fairgrounds, as well as the local RV Parks. call 541-523-6591.
 Tip Number 6...........The Fairgrounds has a variety of food vendors and a covered place to sit while you enjoy your meal. Restrooms and coin-operated showers are available for $2.50 for 4 min increments. Restrooms and showers are open from 7am-dusk...and are closed early each morning for maintenance.  Tip Number 7...........The best tip about dressing for the weather is....dress for every season! In the past, we have had rain, snow, hail, and sun-all in one day! Weather tends to be cool in the morning, then warms up in the afternoon. Keeping an umbrella in the car is always a good idea! Check the weather forecast  Tip Number 8...........While in town, don't forget to visit the Sumpter Municipal Museum and Library. Learn more about Sumpter and use the public computers in the Sumpter Branch Library to check your email and empty your digital camera card too. All for free! Sumpter Branch Library  Tip Number 9...........Dogs are allowed in Sumpter, but according to ordinance, all dogs within City Limits, must be on a leash. But don't worry if you left the leash at home...... Soda Mountain Pet Supplies on W. Auburn, (across from the Gold Post General Store) has leashes, and other great supplies for your pet! Soda Mountain Pet Supplies  Tip Number 10...........One of the unique things about the Sumpter Fleamarkets is that you can ride your ATV all over town! EXCEPT....State Law prohibits ATV's on the highway (Mill St.)......but you can ride on all the side streets! The speed limit for all off-road vehicles is 15 mph. Please drive safely! Off road in Sumpter Are you a seasoned veteran of the Sumpter Fleamarket......? Got some tips and ideas of your own you'd like to share? Just send your suggestions to: info@sumpter.org |
~ This is a private website and is not endorsed by the City of Sumpter. ~