Treasures abound in Trumansburg

By Elaine Springer

 

Treasure hunters looking for that perfect piece, trinket or deal will find all that their heart’s desire in Trumansburg this summer. Treasure hunting kicks off on May 19 with the 8th annual Trumansburg Community Yard Sale, which will take place in and around the Village of Trumansburg. Sales begin at 8 a.m. at residences and in the Village Park on the corner of routes 96 and 227. The treasure hunting continues on Sunday, May 27, and every Sunday of the month through October with Tburg Flea at Ithaca Vintage.

The Community Yard Sale began in 2011 and was spearheaded by then Village Trustee and Deputy Mayor Deb Nottke and Village resident and volunteer David Meens. The two decided that Trumansburg needed a community yard sale day, which would bring together businesses, residents, and community groups to sell their wares and merchandise, and fundraise for their causes through the ever popular chicken bbq. The Village Board agreed with the two, and with support from the Village Clerk, the Chief of Police, and community volunteers, the Community Yard Sale was born!

The Community Yard Sale has become one of Trumansburg’s finest institutions, as a large part of the village and surrounding town participate in selling their wares. Of the event, and of being a trustee and deputy mayor, Nottke says, “One of my many pleasures was getting our community doing things together…. It takes community members to make this happen! Thank you all for your participation!”

If you would like to join in and have a yard sale yourself, please register with the Trumansburg Village office by emailing clerk@trumansburg-ny.gov. A map of all registered yard sale locations will be available by Friday, May 18 for pick up at the Village Office. Maps will also be posted on the village website, trumansburg-ny.gov, and on the Village Facebook page.

The inaugural Tburg Flea at Ithaca Vintage will take place Sunday, May 27 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. in the parking lot located behind Ithaca Vintage at 2289 Rt. 96, just inside the west side of the Village. Held rain or shine, this is a multi-vendor outdoor flea market with antiques and collectibles as well as local artists and craftspeople.

Ithaca Vintage owner Steven Daly has been involved in art antiques and collectibles in one form or another for most of his life, working in auction houses, flea markets, comic book stores, and selling on E-bay. After completing an intensive certificate program in appraisal studies and decorative arts at NYU, he was then certified in the universal standards of professional appraisal practice and joined the Appraisers Association of America. After operating out of his home as Vintage Appraisals for two years, he opened Ithaca Vintage in the old Ehrhart building where Tburg Flea will take place. It is there where he meets clients and does work for his appraisal practice, as well as consigning a selection of fine and decorative art items, antiques, and collectibles. He has a dynamic, cheerful and inviting personality, and takes his honest communication with his customers very seriously. Of his business, Daly says, “I try to avoid being referred to as an ‘antique store,’ which seems stuffy and uninviting. I want everyone to feel welcome.”

Daly also remarks that since he was a kid he has enjoyed the treasure hunt of the flea market where “you find the coolest things you never knew you needed.” He goes on to add, “A few years ago I was helping a friend start up an auction house and I thought about using the venue for a flea on off weeks but it never panned out. Then I saw the success Found in Ithaca had with a similar event, so when the opportunity to rent the old Ehrhart building came up I asked if I could hold this type of event here and try to bring the idea to Tburg. We have a lot of history here and you can learn a lot about it through the things you find in these sales, plus we are lucky to have an abundance of talented artists who should be able to share their work with the community. It just seemed like a good fit.”

Indeed, Trumansburg has a rich history and strong community spirit, and Tburg Flea brings a whole new dynamic to the already bustling Main Street. Spaces are still available for Tburg Flea, which will take place the 4th Sunday of every month through October, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Interested vendors with antiques, collectibles, and artists and craftspeople should contact Steve at Steven@Ithacavintage.com.

If you enjoy a good treasure hunt, you will not want to miss the Community Yard Sale on May 19, or Tburg Flea beginning May 27. Both of these events are great opportunities to visit Trumansburg and experience all the Village and surrounding area has to offer. Check out the vibrant main street and stop into the local shops and eateries, venture out of town and into beverage country, or visit Taughannock Falls and take a long walk on one of the Gorge Trails or the newly finished Black Diamond Trail. Trumansburg has so much to offer! To learn more about the Trumansburg area visit trumansburgchamber.com or visit-trumansburg.com.