Flea Market Saturday, July 9

And on Saturday, July 9^th, McMahon will share her enthusiasm for everything vintage in an all-day market amid the gardens surrounding her shop in Sister Bay. “This year we are featuring 20 vendors from all over Wisconsin, up by 11 from last year, and that is very exciting.  The selection of pieces is wonderful, some vintage, some handmade, and some vintage-inspired,” she explained.  “The vendors will feature everything from restyled furniture to jewelry.” 

Although McMahon wasn’t born into vintage, she has spent more than 20 years discovering and uncovering the “been around the block” bric-a-brac that has intrigued her for a generation.  The shopkeeper first “discovered” vintage while traveling to her native Texas. 

“My mother and I took off for a day to Fredricksberg, a charming little town where a home décor store named Homestead proved irresistible.  Huge vintage jars filled with buttons and string, tattered violins, iron beds and white antique linens, huge farm tables set with antique china where not one pattern matched…it was wonderful. 

“It was just what I was looking for and I thought ‘I can do this!’  A year later I visited the Kane County Flea Market and I was hooked.  I just knew I needed to recreate that mix of styles and elements, contemporary and antique, in my own shop,” McMahon recalled.  “And I think I did.  Now I want everyone to enjoy the same delight I get from vintage.”

And that may happen sooner than later.  This past winter, Flea Market Style Magazine named Viva la Cottage’s Vintage Market one of the top-24 small flea markets in the United States. “I was floored when I got the call from the magazine requesting details about our flea market,” said McMahon.  “I take great pride in our annual market, and insure the vendors reflect the feel of my shop.  It’s a bit magical, and certainly fun.”  

Refreshments will be available throughout the day.  “We have a wonderful new food vendor this year,” McMahon added.  “Our visitors can begin their morning with a cup of coffee or tea and a scone, and enjoy lunch later in the day.  And there will a variety of savory small bites and sweets, as well.

Viva la Cottage is located at 10038 State Road 57, Sister Bay, WI, 54234, 920.854.6842.  Hours are daily 10 – 5 p.m.  Visit www.vivalacabin.blogspot.com for additional information.