We ended up having OVER 70 vendors from across the country who brought their own unique design flair down to Leiper's Fork with some truly amazing antiques, treasure and more that made for a real picker's paradise. Beyond all of the one-of-a-kind pieces we got to peruse, everyone partook in fare from a number of tasty food trucks (the FGTBLT {fried green tomato BLT} was a hit!), gained a little know-how from demonstrations featuring some of the best design and DIY celebrities in the biz, and enjoyed talented musical performers -- all of which set the backdrop for a wondrous weekend to see after months of planning. 

In addition to visiting with old friends (like Sheryl Crow and plenty of others), we made lots of new friends who came out to join us from all corners of the country and the globe, with both coasts well represented, and even the GOLD coast (Australia). 

Fellow Franklinite, friend and blogger, Cindy Laverty, wrote about her experience at the fair that can be found here -- we always love hearing what y’all have to say after it’s all said and done! 

"You can almost feel the energy as you approach and everyone is filled with anticipation about the treasures that await," she said in the post, which truly embodies (in words) exactly what I hope for the City Farmhouse Pop-up fairs to mean to people. 

Now… onto the next! The Holiday Pop-up fair is mere weeks away and it’s gonna be a doozy. Check back with us tomorrow for all the details!

Sheryl Crow picked some great stuff! 

Booth of Rusty Rooster, LA

Booth of The Feathered Nest, IL

Long line of eager early buying shoppers!

Booth of Carolyn Westbrook Home, TX

Booth of J. Hill Designs, TX

A crowd favorite, Judy Hill, in her booth!

Booth of Desirable Junk, TX

All photos by Alissa Saylor Photography. 

xx,

Aaaaaand, he's back! One of our favorite celebrity stylists is returning to the October 2015 City Farmhouse Pop-up Fair, and this time -- he's bring his secret weapon. We caught up with Matthew so y'all could get a peek into his creative genius and what to expect from him at next week's show!

1. How did you earn the nickname the "Lifestyle Guru?"
I've been doing this for like 20 years now, and I think it's the fact that I have so many different ideas -- I can dream up just about anything.

2. You've been a guest at the CFH pop-up fair twice now -- what are you most looking forward to about the October 2015 show?
I love to see all the great vintage items the dealers have with them, plus I've made lots of great friends at the show over the past couple of years. The vendors are all so talented and stylish, and they ALWAYS bring something new and unexpected to the table. So much inspiration.

3. Will you be looking for any pieces in particular at the Fair this year?
Well, I'm coming with a paint sprayer from Wagner so I'm looking for thing I can upcycle. Things like furniture and small pieces that are stylish but that I can also personalize with my own color palette.

4. What three tips would you give people who want to get into upcycling, but don't know where to start?
Upcycling can start at home, so look around your own house and find things that you already have that can be made better with a coat of paint. Also, don't be afraid to experiment with color -- think about the colors you like to wear or the paint on your walls. They're great for furniture too! Finally, consider the fact that upcycling isn't just limited to indoors... it's perfect for pieces outside too, like a park bench or patio table. You can even paint a doormat, a rug, or a lamp base. It's totally unlimited what you can do!


5. What can fair-goers expect to learn from you at the show demonstrations?
I want to get everyone really excited about being creative and the discovery of this incredible tool that can help them with such a variety of things that will just make their lives more beautiful.

6. Why do you prefer Wagner tools over others?
This one is special, no only because it is studio sized but because it also sits on a countertop and is very transformational. Plus, it doesn't leave any brush marks allowing it to turn something from really blah to beautiful in just minutes.

7. What do you like about City Farmhouse style?
I think it's just so engaging -- it's a real lifestyle that has that casual, comfortable, put-your-feet-up look but is super stylish at the same time.

Learn more about Matthew Mead and the demonstrations he'll be doing at the pop-up fair here.

What's a event without a red carpet soirée? My favorite part of the City Farmhouse Pop-up Fair, is meeting new people from around the country + talkin' "antiques with new friends. That's precisely why we're rollin' out a burlap carpet (yep, burlap) on Friday morning for our early buyers. You can think of it like a red carpet pre-show event--you'll get the latest news about the Fair, hot shopping tips, predictions, PLUS we'll be serving complimentary mimosas from 8-10 a.m.

Early shoppers will have the chance to take a picture in front of our "wall of fame" and "walk the burlap carpet!" And you better start getting those voices warmed up, ya'll! We are hosting a friendly competition where one lucky shopper will win the chance to participate in early buying, meaning they'll get to skip the line and enter the show 15 minutes before anyone else--this fortunate individual will have access to the most sought after items, minus the crowd!

How do you enter? You must sing Tennessee's favorite tune "Rocky Top" as loud as you can in front of the entire audience. The participant with the most enthusiasm and gumption will win this coveted pass.

There's nothing we love more than a fearless personality who's willing to lay it all on the line and embarrass themselves for the sake of priority pickin'! Am I right?

For those over achievers, we've posted the lyrics to Rocky Top below so you can start brushing up. We'll also have copies of the lyrics at the show, for those that need it.

Rocky Top
Wish that I was on ole rocky top,
Down in the Tennessee hills.
Ain't no smoggy smoke on rocky top,
Ain't no telephone bills.

Once there was a girl on rocky top,
Half bear the other half cat.
Wild as a mink, sweet as soda pop,
I still dream about that.

Rocky top, you'll always be
Home sweet home to me.
Good ole rocky top,
Rocky top Tennessee, rocky top Tennessee.

Once two strangers climbed on rocky top,
Lookin' for a moonshine still.
Strangers ain't come back from rocky top,
Guess they never will.

Corn won't grow at all on rocky top,
Dirt's too rocky by far.
That's why all the folks on rocky top
Get their corn from a jar.

Rocky top, you'll always be
Home sweet home to me.
Good ole rocky top,
Rocky top Tennessee, rocky top Tennessee.

Now I've had years of cramped up city life,
Trapped like a duck in a pen.
Now all I know is it's a pity life
Can't be simple again.

Rocky top, you'll always be
Home sweet home to me.
Good ole rocky top,
Rocky top Tennessee, rocky top Tennessee.

Rocky top Tennessee, rocky top Tennessee.
Yeah rocky top Tennessee eee eee eee.

We're Doubling the Fun this Summer and Fall ...

Because y'all love our City Farmhouse Pop-up Shows so much ..... we decided to double the fun this year!!! Can you believe it!? We're crazy excited!!! 

Mark your calendars for the weekends of June 19-20 AND October 16-17. We're heading back out to the beautiful Buddy Killen Estate in the charming Leiper's Fork area of Franklin, Tennessee. We're working on some really cool events, great music, and of course a fabulous line-up of the best vendors in the business. LEARN MORE HERE.

And, speaking of vendors, if you're interested in obtaining a booth space, jump on it--we are more than halfway sold-out of vendor spaces for both shows! For those of you who haven't yet requested your contract - please click on this link for info on what you need to do here.

Special Events ... We asked some of our devoted shoppers what they loved most about the Pop-up Shows. Over and over again we heard how much they enjoyed the amazing vendors and all the unique things that they brought to the shows. So this year, we thought it would be fun to create an event that will focus on design and how to use the unique pieces that you see at the show in your own home. I'm  thinking a large tent filled with loads of design inspiration, along with guest speakers who would share their ideas with you. What do y'all think about that? Or, if you have any ideas that you would like to see at the show, please let us know. We'll post all the details on the website very soon.

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As always, thanks for dropping by and being a part of our crazy, fun life!