where the old is always new

FRESH FROM The FARM

WORDS : KRISTI MAUL-BIXBY PHOTOGRAPHY : AREA WOMAN STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

If you’re a vintage enthusiast or collector, you know the saying “buy it when you see it, or it will be gone when you come back” is true. I can promise you this is true at the Fargo Antiques and Repurposed Market (the FARM), where we’re getting in fresh vintage, antique, collectible and repurposed items literally every day. The 60+ small businesses housed in the FARM are all back and open for business.

Have you ever wondered where all this stuff comes from? It’s a different answer for most of our small businesspeople. I and my partners assist in cleaning out entire houses full of goods. People frequently need help with this when they’re moving, down-sizing or have had a death in the family. We help pack, move and haul away everything. After sorting and cleaning, many of these items then go to the FARM, where we hope they find a new home and purpose.

Some of the small businesses at the FARM are also crafters and creators. Most of our creators use old and discarded items to create new and beautiful things, keeping them out of the landfill and breathing new life into them. We have artists, furniture painters, lamp makers and shelf builders — just to name a few. Old wooden window frames become quaint farmhouse shelves. Lengths of discarded lumber become “welcome” signs. An ugly old dresser with a broken drawer gets repaired and brought back into use with a fresh coat of paint and an entirely new look.

We also have lifelong collectors at the FARM, who bring their vast collections and knowledge to the market for other collectors to enjoy. Toys, pottery, Depression glass, vintage tools — all can be found at the FARM. The FARM is also a treasure trove for crafters and creators who enjoy making their own repurposed treasures. We just unpacked about 100 vintage sewing patterns, some dating back to the ‘40s. The collection included men’s pajamas, doll clothes, oversized ‘80s women’s tops, and they’re all still useable. You never know what you’ll find, but they may be gone soon.

The FARM is celebrating summer and the reopening of our state and area. Join us for a flea market in the parking lot on June 20-21 and September 19-20, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Local author Amelia Lemar will be at the June flea market, signing a limited quantity of her new book “It’s OK: The 8 Things All Children Need to Hear,” available from Amazon. Bring your own copy if you can! The FARM’s small businesses will be set up outside and inside. Stalls are also open to anyone on a first come, first served basis.

We’ll also be doing special events in the coming months, including a furniture painting class, junk journaling and visits from local authors and crafters.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, visit us at farmantiques.net or call the FARM at 701-356-9199. The FARM is located at 5258 51st Ave. S. in Fargo. It is open daily 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. and Sundays noon – 6:00 p.m. Happy Summer!