David and Kim Leggett have been “pickers” for more than 20 years. Their trained eye and vivacious personalities have attracted a following from around the globe, from individuals interested in following popular vintage trends to those who love the thrill of the hunt.
So much so that the Leggett’s popular downtown Franklin antique shop–City Farmhouse, a Downtown Franklin Association (DFA) member–has accumulated nearly 30,000 fans on Facebook. [psst: read our story on the Leggetts here.]
On Oct. 11-12, 2013, the pair will parlay that pickin’ and social media success into the first-ever City Farmhouse Pop-up Barn Show on the banks of the Harpeth River in Franklin, Tenn. The event, which is slated to host a wealth of curated vintage, antique, and artisan vendors, will also feature live musical performances, special guests, and two days of DIY demonstrations that will cover home styling, cooking and more.
“Barn shows are a trendy, grassroots approach for bringing together sellers of antique and vintage, artisans of handmade goods, musicians, guest speakers and demonstrations, along with popular shelter magazines for an event that caters to a wide range of collectors, designers, and DIY decorators,” Kim Leggett said.
The show will take place within and surrounding a remodeled replica of a 19th century tobacco barn. The upscale location is the center of a privately owned property known as Idyll By The River Farm, located at 3160 Del Rio Pike.
The historical significance of the land lies at the property’s end at a point known as the “Meeting of the Waters.” It is at this spot that the West and Big Harpeth Rivers join.
“The setting is a defining attraction to the high profile event that will compound the unique collaborations among vintage vendors, music aficionados, and culinary fans,” Leggett said. “It’s an event that celebrates creative talents across several industries, yet with a common interest. The bringing together of those talents in a unique setting creates a festival like atmosphere for showgoers.”
The two-day event has drawn vendors from 18 states, from as far away as Colorado, Pennsylvania, Texas, and New York.
Show attendees can expect to find the most unusual in handpicked selections spanning all eras and styles: farmhouse, French, architectural, garden, lighting, industrial, Americana, and much more. In addition, handmade jewelry designed and repurposed from found objects will be a unique feature to the show.
Some well-known exhibitors include: J Hill Designs, a frequent favorite at Texas’ own Marburger Farms; Time Worn Interiors of Kentucky, known for her unique ways of blending farmhouse with industrial style; savvycityfarmer of Chicago, recognized for her chic take on farmhouse style; Mike and Jodie Roberts of Michigan; Lisa Erickson of Franklin, frequent local favorites at the Nashville Antique and Garden Show; Hen House Co-op of Nashville, a celebrity couple that have turned their hobby into a successful local business.
In addition to the shopping component—which Leggett says will be unlike any other Middle Tennessee show in recent years—the event will also include free seminars on floral arranging, fall decorating how-tos, furniture re-purposing, cooking, and much more. Special guests throughout the weekend will include Melissa Lewis of HGTV’s Designing on a Budget, The Decorologist, Kristie Barnett, and others. Plus, five industry publications’ editors will be on hand to speak with attendees, such as FOLK Magazine and Flea Market Style.
Local favorite Gary Pailer opens the show Friday morning to an early buying crowd, who will be treated to a Southern-style breakfast. Performances continue throughout Friday and again all day on Saturday. Attendees can expect musical performances by the likes of Tyler Smith, son of Michael W. Smith, Madison Cain, daughter of keyboardist, Jonathan Cain of the legendary band Journey and Emily Hirvnak and more.
The pop-up show will take place on Friday, Oct. 11 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 12 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tickets for early buying—8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 11—are $35 per person. Regular show admission is $8 per day and $12 for a weekend pass. Admission includes entrance to the show as well the musical performances and demonstrations. Tickets may be purchased at the gate or in advance by calling 615-268-0216 or 615-790-8101.
To follow the City Farmhouse Facebook page, or for more information on the show, go to their website at www.cityfarmhousefranklin.com. A complete list of vendors, performance and demonstration schedules, and industry publications can also be found there.
