The old saying is if it is raining in August, it must be time for the Madison Bouckville Antique Show.  Wow that could not be further from the truth this year.  The weather at the annual antique week has been down right spectacular.  Yesterday we say sun and 85 degrees, today we are forecast to again hit 85.  The weather for the weekend is set up to be just as nice.  No mud on these field, not this year.  The crowd for Wednesday was a nice crowd, with the parking lot at the visitor center coming within 10 cars of being closed yesterday.  There are deals to be found, and today, the action starts moving towards the main show field in anticipation for the 1000 dealer show put on by Madison Bouckville Management.  You will still find a large number of dealers outside the main show field today, and many people will be looking to get in the black for the week, so don't be afraid to deal.  As always the visitor center at the corner of 12B and Route 20 will be manned, and if you have any questions stop in and see us.
 
 
The annual gathering of antiquers and antique dealers had begun along US Route 20 in Madison and Bouckville.  As of yesterday afternoon over 300 dealers had set up and deals and special finds were everywhere.  Today Quaker Acres West opens its field bringing the total number of dealers in town to over 400.  Don't forget you can find all sorts of information at the Madison County Tourism visitor center near the corner of 20 and 12B.  You will also find dealers, flush toilets, food and free parking.  We recommend that you make the visitor center your first stop, then visit the antique fields around it, and keep walking towards Bouckville, or get in your car and move further down the road.  I will post the first slideshow of the year later today so come back for more information on the show. Don't forget to follow us on twitter with updates about the show and the crowds, and the traffic.
 
 
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With the 1,000 dealer show just a week a away, the antique dealers have started arriving in Madison and Bouckville.  If you are headed out this weekend, you will be able to find some fabulous deals. The action kicks into high gear on Monday and builds every day until the big weekend which starts on the 14th with early buying.  We will be at the visitor center all week long so stop by and say hi.  Keep up with the comings and goings by following us on twitter too. 
Besides antiques, there is much going on in the county this weekend for you to enjoy.  Here are your best bets for this weekend:
1. ART EXHIBITION in Cazenovia-- The work of over 30 local artists will be on display from 11 AM to 4:30 PM in the East Dining Room and lobby of the historic Lincklaen House, 79 Albany St., Cazenovia. The event, organized by Cazenovia Arts, is in conjunction with the sidewalk festival and other activities planned for the day. Admission is free. We invite the "Franklin Car Trekkers" and the public to attend.


2. DeRuyter Fireman's Fair DeRuyter An action packed weekend featuring Horse & cattle Shows, Fireman's Pushball, Parade on the 9th starting at 6:30 pm, Live Music and Fireworks 10 pm August 8th.

3. Blue Highway performs at the Earlville Opera House tonight. Grammy-nominated & IBMA award-winning Bluegrass At the 15-year mark, Blue Highway is indisputably one of the most esteemed and influential groups in contemporary bluegrass. The band's eight exceptional albums and compelling live performances give proof to the stellar reviews, Grammy nominations, and numerous awards earned by the band since it first took the stage on December 31, 1994. With a deep bench of brilliant songwriters, vocalists and instrumentalists, Blue Highway's hallmark is an unwavering commitment to the ensemble, the “democracy of the band” that makes Blue Highway a powerhouse. Tickets: 315-691-3550 or www.earlvilleoperahouse.com $26, $23 members, $21 students

4. Going Nuts! Interpreting the Black Walnut-- SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry Professor D. Andrew Saunders will lead a fun family program about one of New York's most beautiful and useful trees: the black walnut. Sample tasty treats and learn how to harvest these delicious nuts for yourself! 2:00PM. Free with general admission to the park.
 
 
 
 
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The big Oz-Stravaganza weekend is upon us and the village of Chittenango is buzzing with excitement as rides are being set up, vendors are arriving and visitors from near and far are preparing to celebrate all things Oz this weekend. The highlights of the weekend include the costume contest and parade on Saturday, the rides all weekend long and autograph sessions with the Munchkins too.  For the complete schedule of happenings click here.  IT should be a fun weekend and don't forget the parade starts at 2pm sharp on Saturday.
Oz-Stravaganza is not the only event happening in Madison County this weekend.  Here are some other highlight for your weekend:
1. Friday-Sunday -- The Madison and Bouckville Antique Dealers host their annual spring antique show.  Dozens of dealers will be selling their wares along US Route 20.  It is a great opportunity to find hidden treasures for your home.
2. The Earlville Opera House is hosting John Hammond, an Acoustic Blues Extraordinaire, on Saturday evening at 8pm.  Tickets are available for $22 for Adults, $20 for Opera House Members and $17 for students.
3. The Smithfield Community Center is the host for the Lincoln and the Civil War Concert on Saturday night as well.  The 77th N.Y. Regimental Balladeers present a special evening concert Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory: Lincoln and the Music of the Civil War at the historic Smithfield Community Center at 8 p.m. A slide show accompanies the music which includes song, melodies and verse that streamed from the pens of some of America's most famous song writers of the 1860s. In honor of the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth, the concert program will evoke the memory of the wartime president through performances of some of the songs Lincoln enjoyed and that he inspired.
While you are out and about this weekend don't forget to bring your camera and submit an entry to our photo contest.
 
 

It seemed like attendance was a little light on Sunday, but all and all Bouckville 2008 was a strong year.  The weather while not perfect, worked out very well.  Start your plans for 2009 and we will see you there next year.  Enjoy the slide show with sights from this year's show!

 
Day 4 08/14/2008
 

It is Thursday morning and a little foggy out here in Bouckville for the start of the 4th day of Madison-Bouckville Antique Week.  It will be the biggest day of the week so far.  There will be over 500 dealers in town today and many will be looking to cut a deal before moving onto the main field tomorrow.  The weather forecast is for lots of sun today and it should be a great day of antiquing.  See you out here today!

 
 

Well, we dodged the rain showers yet again today and the weather was phenomenal at Antique Week.  The good folks at Nirchi's brought us down an awesome pizza loaded with veggies and pepperoni and Ma Ma Shep was set up selling her great pulled pork, hot dogs and other assorted goodies.  A lot of antiquers were in town today and a lot of merchandise was sold.  Today's picture of the day is this really neat gumball machine that was along US 20.  Alas, but I think it now has a new home.

The weather looks great for the weekend, but the best deals in town can be found tomorrow.  Many dealers are getting ready on Thursday to head to the main field, and many visitors from around the Northeast will be in town to scoop up one of a kind merchandise and find that special treasure only at Bouckville.  Hope to see you at the show!

 
 

The weather is outstanding today in Bouckville and what little rain is in the area continues to bypass us out here.  There is a nice crowd today and plenty of free parking and admission.  The various dealers have a lot of interesting items for sale including this croc head that is my picture of the day.  Again I found this on the north side of Route 20.  The East Expo and Quaker Acres fields opened today and food vendors and in full swing with their fine variety of culinary treasures (who needs the State Fair anyhow).  Hope to see you here the rest of the week!  Keep checking back as I update the slide show regularly.

 
 

Well we survived the rain on Monday and in the afternoon the sun actually came out and it became quite pleasant.  I saw a lot of neat items for sale and some outstanding prices.  The picture shows what in my five years of attending Bouckville might actually be the weirdest thing I've seen yet.  What the heck do you do with that!  If you want to buy it, you will find it across from Valley Propane along US Route 20.  Today's weather promises to be awesome and Quaker Acres opens so the crowd should grow.  Stop into the visitor's center and say hi.