Barbara Arnstein
The auctions at Gentner’s Commission Market take place every Wednesday all year round but the areas outside are bustling with a large assortment of activities in the spring and summer. Visitors can buy farm-fresh berries, fruits and vegetables, plants, pies, pastries, household items, antiques, clothes and much more. Fruit and vegetable stands in front of the animal auction barn sell tomatoes, cherries, peaches, apricots and other garden and orchard harvests, and there are plenty more produce booths in the large field behind it, as well as numerous booths and tables offering an amazing assortment of items. It’s a huge Auction, Farmer’s Market and Flea Market, all rolled into one.
Pies made with apples, cherries, and rhubarb, banana bread, and jams are among the items offered at an Amish bakery stand.
Each week, table after table features an eclectic assortment of collectible items possibly gathered from a family’s attic, basement or garage, such as vintage tools, antique books and framed prints. There are always various flowering plants in small pots; many bins of bargain items, such as cleaning supplies and toys; and a table with tie-dyed hoodies.
Visitors always gather around when the auctioneer begins an auction, to bid or just to listen to his rapid-fire spiel. Before the outside auctions begin, crowds check out the items to be auctioned, on display in long lines. Friends meet at “The Hill” to browse, exchange gossip, and maybe have a hot dog, donut or other snack.
The market is owned and operated by the third generation of the Gentner family that opened it in 1939.
Gentner’s Commission market is located at 341 West Main Street, Springville, NY. For more information: (716) 592-4062; gentnercm@gmail.com; @GENTNERSCOMMISSIONMARKET
Photos by Barbara Arnstein