PUBLISHED IN THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE MARCH 16, 2015

On March 21 to 22, the Porter County Expo Center and Fairgrounds will be welcoming the touring general merchandise show of Shipshewana On The Road.

In the summertime, Shipshewana On The Road is an outdoor market and during the spring and fall months, the show travels. “We have vendors from all over who make this their full-time job,” says Fountain, “we also have people who do this part time, in addition to their full time jobs.”

Shipshewana On The Road’s Event Director, Greg Fountain of JDL Corporation, describes the event as, “A total experience unlike any you’ve had in the past or at a flea market. This general merchandise show is definitely not like a flea market,” Fountain continued, “Flea markets are like glorified garage sales. Everything we have is brand new, with items like unique gifts, jewelry, crafts, home décor, pine furniture, specialty foods (cookies, unique dips, soups, chocolates, spices, summer sausage, jerky, etc), fashion accessories (hats, scarves, designer handbags, luggage, etc), fashion, pet supplies, personal use (name-brand perfumes, eye, nail or hair care, cell phone accessories), household wares (cookware, cleaning supplies, etc), books, home party items, children items (dolls, toys, etc), artwork and much, much more.”
Fountain says “there is something for everyone or just yourself at Shipshewana On The Road. We strive to make it a fun family events for all customers who attend.”

At Shipshewana on the Road, because there is a variety of vendors, it happens to be a blend of both hand-crafted artisan ware as well as name-brand merchandise. Fountain mentions that although the show may seem women-centric, that the event also caters to men as well with male jewelry, scooters, ATVs, tools, sport collectibles, cell phone accessories, and candles. They also have items for children as well.

Shipshewana On The Road is an affordable experience for the whole family as well. Fountain mentioned in an interview that he is very excited to bring Shipshewana On The Road to Valparaiso. “Valparaiso is our favorite show to do. I am a former resident (of northwestern Indiana) and going there is like coming home.”

Tickets to the event are $4 for anyone over 12 years of age, children 12 or under are free. The event also has free parking at the Porter County Expo and Fairgrounds.

Beth Casey is a freelance writer.

Shipshewana On The Road

9 a.m.-6 p.m. March 21 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. March 22

Porter County Expo Center and Fairgrounds, 215 E. Division Rd, Valparaiso

Tickets: $4 for adults, children under 12 free.

219-464-0133 or Shipshewanaontheroad.com