Friendship Indiana

[Sully]

At the Spring National Shoot about how many vendors show up ? Is it quite a few ? It is about a 6 hour drive (each way) for me and would like to be sure there will be a lot of good Stuff to buy. Thanks.

 

[susie s]

In the past pretty well the same vendors that come in the fall come in the spring, also. There are more the first week end than the second. A lot in the past were packing up to leave after the middle of the week. Heard Oxe-yoke is out of business. Last year there were some empty booths. Not as much in primitive as previously. Seems, if my memory is correct, there was more action in June than Sept. Of couse all the standards-Log Cabin, Jerry Eder, Dick Chubb, Dick Bennett, Timberline, Mountain State, Ted Cash, Dixie, TC, Tip Curtis, Larry Stinson, Getz, Kenokee, most of the gun makers, etc. should be there. NRA had a big booth last year. I know I haven't mentioned them all-but that's a small sample. Depends on what you're looking for.
Can't make any promises, but that's what it's been in the past. S

 

[susie s]

If you're looking for a number-I'm not too good at those-I'd say there are a minimum of 50 vendors-probably a lot more-enough to spend a couple of days perusing all the wares. There's 3 or 4 rows of sheds, vendors on the outskirts, and vendors in tents across the small creek on the main side. Then there are usually several across the road in the primitive. If you wanted to be really sure, you could call the NMLRA office 812-667-5131 and someone in there MIGHT know how many are coming! S

 

[Sully]

Thanks for the info. I wasn't looking for a exact #. I was just wondering if It would be worth my time or should I wait till Sept. I should have phrased my question better. Thanks again.

 

If you've never been, it will be worth it. It's almost overwhelming and always crowded with all walks of life. You'll see it all from head to toe buckskin clad, fox hat wearing mountain men to half naked women of all shapes and levels of appropriatness! The good vendors are located just inside the main gate inside the wooden booths and the surrounding area is full of flea market type sellers of various treasures. You can find anything you want if you look long enough. It will be either very hot and dusty or it will rain and flood. The sounds of gun fire is never ending and the wide variety of good food is satisfying. It is a seven hour drive for me and after three different trips to the spring shoots I think I've finally had my fill.

 

[AeroE]

Is a bicycle useful or just in the way?

 

I spent a lot of time looking at all the vendor's wares and the crowd could be suffocating at times. I didn't see anyone with a bike but many folks were pulling wagons with their kids in it or their plunder. I think I would've found that a bike would be in the way in more ways than one. keep in mind that it's been three years since I went last and it may not be as crowded now. Take your bike and see. :thumbsup:

 

[susie s]

If you're healthy and a good walker, you're better off just walking. If you're just looking at what is offered at the range, it's not all that far between stuff, even if you go across to the primitive. If you're wanting to take in all the stuff down town, it's about 1/4 mile plus west and on week ends, faster walking than driving. You can also spend a couple of bucks and ride a horse drawn wagon from end to end if they run true to form (only on the week end). The other flea market is right across the creek to the east of the range. There are some gun dealers, bead sellers, and leather people in the flea markets, but no flea market merchandise is allowed on the range grounds. In the flea markets you have to look for the roses among the thorns. S

 

[Cruzatte]

Thanks for the info. I wasn't looking for a exact #. I was just wondering if It would be worth my time or should I wait till Sept. I should have phrased my question better. Thanks again.

Go. It'll be worth your time. A buddy and I are making the trip from Kansas. This will be our third trip. :thumbsup:

Cruzatte

 

[Cruzatte]

I'm countin' down the hours till departure time. Oh boy! Look me up at camp #650, if you're so inclined.

Cruzatte

 

[susie s]

I'm at K-42, but with the education building being built due east of me, don't know the condition of my lot. Friends said just a few weeks ago there was all kinds of construction junk on it-guess I'll have to wait and see. S

 

[Riley/MN]

Hey all,

Ain't never been. Supposedly my good friend (Navy buddy) is setting up to trade there. What are the dates?

 

[Gary]

Forget the bicycle. It's too crowded for Traders' Row and the upper encampment is grassy.

 

[user 2647]

Riley, the dates are June 11th thru the 19th. It is best to be there before Wed. as some do head out by the middle of the week but the trip is worth it.