OXFORD — The film crew from the History Channel’s “Down East Dickering” will make their Western Maine debut buying, bartering and dickerin’ at Oxford Plains Speedway on Saturday. 

The popular reality TV show based on Maine’s secondhand trash-to-treasure entrepreneurs will film for its second season at an open-air flea market, yard sale and swap meet at the Route 26 racetrack. Everyone is encouraged to bring their collectibles, antiques and oddities for competitive haggling. 

Turning a profit is as open as the imagination, according to co-star and narrator Tony Bennett of Bethel. 

“We don’t care what you bring. You can bring cattle — as long as (you also bring) a shovel,” Bennett said.   

Not to be outdone, he and co-star Stanley “Codfish” Cordwell, also of Bethel, will have a few choice items to sell. 

The marriage between racing and bartering is made possible through Bennett who has promoted local racing events and demolition derbies for years.

The idea this time was to give back to the area he’s called home. 

“I wanted to help this area grow, help the little guys that have helped me grow for years. How many people around here can buy time on the History Channel?” Bennett asked.

The co-stars will be joined by the Bennett family’s Jack Russell terrier, Duke.

While the public is encouraged to socialize with the cast, committed deal-seekers are likely to be out in force when the gates open at 9 a.m. to find the most sought-after goods. After that, they’re liable to be snapped up.

Bennett lamented on losing out on an antique fire extinguisher after stopping to take a photo with a fan. 

“Those people know the piece they’re after. You don’t want to wait or you’re going to lose it,” he said. 

The event will wind down just as a barbecue challenge and automobile showcase ramps up. 

Truck tug of wars, burnouts, demolition derby and an enduro race with a cash purse will follow at 2 p.m. 

For more information, go online to oxfordplains.com.

ccrosby@sunjournal.com

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