Antique Mall Burns in Sevierville

By Michele Karl The Auction Antiques & Collectibles open-air flea market burned to the ground last week. The outdoor market, which is 3,000 square feet, is adjacent to the 5000 square foot barn structure, which houses an entire antique mall. The barn was not injured in the fire. Everything in the open-air market was destroyed including glassware, antiques, sports memorabilia, tools, and miscellaneous collectibles. The market rents space to various dealers, all who lost everything in the blaze. Spring is when people start thinking about going out to garage sales and antique malls. It’s going to hurt a lot of people. Owner Jim Burrell states, “It’s a shame. Most of the people who had space here do this for their livelihood. It’s how they get their grocery money.” The fire came at the beginning of what is considered “opening season” in the antique trade. Debbie Dance, “We’re planning on rebuilding. There were so many items lost in this fire; jewelry, collectibles, an old cider press from the 1800s, rocks and marbles many imported from Brazil. The dealers had worked so hard recently making the market look so nice, now it’s all gone.” Dealers searched through the rubble trying to salvage what they could but their hopes soon dimmed. “States Dance, Nothing really made it through the fire except for a couple of crocks.” The day after the fire, two other fires were set in Sevierville. There was an arrest in those cases. The Action Antique Mall is located at 2189 Winfield Dunn Parkway (Hwy 66) in Sevierville. The barn not damaged in the blame is home of nearly two-dozen dealers. They carry a large selection of quality merchandise. Hours are 7 days a week 9-5.