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    Home » Everything Amish » Amish in the News

    Shipshewana Flea Market an Economic Engine

    Published: May 28, 2013 · Updated: Feb 2, 2021 by Kevin Williams | 5 Comments

    Cotton candy sold from a vendor's booth at the Shipshewana Flea Market. Photo: backroads.org

    SHIPSHEWANA FLEA MARKET: I posted last week about how the ubiquitous RV business in northern Indiana has really experienced a comeback over the past year.  But there's another economic engine at work in northern Indiana and its beginning to run at full tilt also: The Amish.  The Shipshewana Flea Market itself is not Amish run and the Amish presence there is actually quite sparse.  But if the Shipshewana Flea Market were located in Lexington, Kentucky, it probably wouldn't be near the draw.  What brings people to the market is its location in picturesque northern Indiana's Amish country, at least that is what civic and commerce leaders in the area say. People spill out of the flea market and explore the countryside where they can buy fresh eggs, baked goods and furniture from many of the area's Amish home-based businesses.  The end of the Great Recession has really spurred the tourist trade in the area.  Of course it also contributes to the delicate balance between the area Amish who often rely on the tourist dollars, yet wish to keep 21st century ways at bay.  It's a tough task to balance the two.  Read about the resurgence of tourism in northern Indiana's Amish country.  Have you visited the Shipshewana Flea Market? If so, what did you think?

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    About Kevin Williams

    Hi, my name is Kevin Williams and I am owner of Oasis Newsfeatures and editor of The Amish Cook newspaper column.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Cheryl

      May 28, 2013 at 2:06 pm

      we are hoping ........we go to shipshewana time to time..never
      the flea market....

      Reply
    2. Pam

      May 28, 2013 at 2:39 pm

      There are over a thousand booths......some duplication of vendors but there is lots and lots of produce.......plants.......flowers.......trees......besides a few antiques. It a fun inexpensive way to spend the day. You pay to park but not to shop.

      Reply
    3. Krista

      May 28, 2013 at 3:33 pm

      It is a fun place to go.Leave your car in one spot.The area gets very very busy.Then wear comfortable shoes because you will be doing a lot of walking.They have one of the best bulk stores; Yoders. As always respect the Amish , the picture thing gets out of hand alot. Shipshewana is about itwo hours from Chicago via the Indiana Toll Road. A great daycation.

      Reply
    4. Wendy P

      May 29, 2013 at 3:20 pm

      A flea market was instrumental in the revival of my NJ hometown. Unfortunately the McMansions moved in and the flea market was done away with.

      Reply
    5. June

      May 31, 2013 at 12:46 am

      I went to the Shipshewana flea market when it was in its prime--no commercialization, no outside vendors, when it truly seemed like an Amish place. There were lots and lots of buggies there. There were true antiques--none of this cotton candy stuff. I used to live in northern Indiana--the freshest air you'll ever find. I went there with my parents when I was back visiting. It was probably in the 1960's.

      Reply

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    Kevin Williams - The Amish Editor Amish Cook Column

    Hi There, I'm Kevin!

    Welcome to Amish365, where I share my knowledge of Amish cooking and culture! I’ve spent almost three decades exploring Amish settlements and kitchens from Maine to Montana and almost everywhere in between. I’ll occasionally throw in stories of my travels, journalism adventures (I’m a Pulitzer prize-nominated journalist), fascination with grocery stores and Kmarts, and much more!

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