Farmstead Finds opens this weekend

Farmstead Finds is coming to the West Plains for the first time this year, and hopefully it won't be the last. The free admission event is on June 8 from 4 – 8 p.m. and also on June 9 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. and takes place at Willow Creek Retreat, 15109 West Thorpe Road.

This market is in a field next to a creek with trees, birds and flowers and will be a country experience for the attendees. There will be a variety of vendors to shop from that includes handmade, homegrown or handpicked items along with some vintage and antique collections.

"I'm a farm girl at heart, with a passion for country living and nostalgia for items from the past," Rachael Jean, the creator of Farmstead Finds said. "This event is a way to share the things I love with our local community."

Along with the shopping experience, people can also enjoy some food and live music and even some "do it yourself" crafts to participate in.

Some of the vendors already signed up for the market are:

• Madi's Attic (Repurposed and crafted)

• The Vintage Palomino Co. (Crafted and vintage finds)

• Just Like Jane (Vintage style handmade bath and body)

• Sweet on You Pallets (Handmade pallet signs)

• Spokane Antique and Collectible (Antiques and vintage)

• Jennifer Smith (Antique and vintage)

• Vintage Mercantile and Auction (Antique and vintage finds)

• The Old Schoolhouse (Handmade, antiques and vintage)

• Tim Teepee (Handmade, antiques and vintage finds)

• Dr. D's Treasures (Antique and vintage finds)

• The Rusty Diamond (Repurposed and vintage finds)

The criteria for vendors were that they could not be from direct sales companies, imported new items or crafted items that did not fit the "country farm vintage theme."

Along with the market side of the event, there will also be a "glamper" trailer rally with nine restored and decorated vintage trailers for people to tour during their shopping.

Even though this is the inaugural year for Farmstead Finds, Jean isn't new to putting events together. She is also the publisher of the Vintage Directory, an annual magazine that is a "guide to repurposed shopping."

"I feel this event is a wonderful compliment the Vintage Directory, the annual shopping guide I publish for all things vintage, repurposed, classic and collectible," Jean said.

Jean encourages people to come enjoy the event that is free this year, but says to keep the animals at home. Another recommendation is to wear some boots, as open shoes, sandals and heels would not work in the farm environment and it is literally in a pasture.

Grace Pohl can be reached at grace@cheneyfreepress.com.