THOMPSON, CT. One of the largest and most diversified events of its kind will be held this Saturday and Sunday at the Thompson International Speedway. Don Hoenig’s Original Automotive Swap Meet and Flea Market, in its 38th year, will open to buyers at 7 A. M. on both Saturday and Sunday mornings and will be held rain or shine.
The Thompson “Flea Market” is, in a word, huge. Well over 1500 sellers fill the grounds of the large speedway complex and that’s enough to attract tens of thousands of automotive enthusiasts, buyers who come prepared, and those looking for great buys or very specific parts. There is also the element of the curious who spend hours enjoying the tremendous quantity and quality of items for sale. The vast majority of those that fall into the curious category end up walking away with a treasured something that they spotted along the way.
The display area exceeds 100 acres and haulers are available to assist buyers with their purchases. Visitors can expect to see everything from well equipped display trailers offering new automotive items of every possible description to an old pick up truck filled with items that have been taking up space in a person’s garage. The variety of items is amazing; from brand new to classic antiques, race cars, parts and accessories, lawn and garden equipment and everything in between is what brings the buying crowd. Part of the fun, excitement and charm of the Flea Market is the “wheeling and dealing” that goes on. It is a proud New England tradition that is alive and well each year at this one-of-a-kind event.
Those wishing to sell items may purchase a space (15’ X30’) for the weekend and then showcase their items before thousands of potential buyers. Gates open at 5 A.M. for sellers on both Saturday and Sunday and at 7 A.M. for buyers and browsers on both days. Admission for this incredible event is only $10.00 and affords the buyer nine hours of fun before the sun sets and the gates close at 5 P.M.
The Speedway is located only minutes from exit 99 of Interstate 395 in northeast Connecticut. Directions from the Interstate exit are well marked to lead people to the East Thompson Road location. Another way to know exactly how to get to the Flea Market is to simply follow the line of traffic that is heading to this annual event.