WUFT News News and Public Media for North Central Florida from the University of Florida in Gainesville
Collectors and enthusiasts huddled over plastic crates and cardboard boxes filled with new, used and vintage records hoping to find something special at the third annual Gainesville Record Fair on March 15, 2015.
The fair, hosted by Arrow’s Aim Records, has been in existence for more than five years, initially operating under the name Vinyl Fiesta. It was originally held at Boca Fiesta, but has resided at The Wooly in downtown Gainesville for the past three years.
Daniel Halal, owner of Arrow’s Aim, said more than 35 people paid for early admission this year, and he expected to see about 300 more browsers stop by on Sunday.
Among the crowd was Sydney Downing, 34, and her 17-month-old son Max, a collector in the making. Downing said between her and her husband, they have maybe 100 records, but they came to the fair hoping to expand their collection.
Halal said the growing popularity has not gone unnoticed, and that he is expecting to see an increase in shoppers, matched by an increase in retailers, in the coming years.
“This year we have 20 sellers and 25 tables,” Halal said. “Next year I expect to have 25 sellers and 30 tables.”
