I remember trying to talk a friend of mine into eating an oyster on the half shell. "I know it's not much to look at," I said, "thing is, you'll never know how delicious a raw oyster squeezed with lemon is until you try eating one." Finally, my friend, Sara, closed her eyes and swallowed. Guess what? She hated it. The moral of this story is-going to a summer antique show is nothing like trying oysters for the first time.
Admission runs about six dollars per person. Early admission privileges-in most cases, a waste of money-can cost 20 dollars. Bring cash, a checkbook, i.d., business cards-so dealers can contact you, a van or truck if available, and comfortable walking shoes. For outdoor shows, also take a carrying sack or back pack, a few cool drinks-soda lines can be long, tissues, porta potty seat covers, sun tan lotion, a hat, and sun glasses. Dress comfortably in layers. Keep your eyes in this newspaper for show ads. Meanwhile, here's a list of a few of my local summer favorites.
RHINEBECK ANTIQUES FAIR - Sat. & Sun. May 24 & 25, 200 exhibitors, 10:00 am - 5 PM, Dutchess County Fairgrounds, Rte. 9, Rhinebeck, NY, information: 914-758-6186 A beautiful afternoon drive takes you to a top quality indoor show. Filled with folk art, country furniture, architectural, and decorative items. Crowded. $$-$$$$
NATHAN HALE ANTIQUES SHOW - Sun. June 1, 100 exhibitors, 10 am - 4 PM, early admission: 8 am-not worth extra price, Nathan Hale Homestead, South Street, Coventry, CT, inf.-207-767-3967, Quality dealers showcase high country furniture and primitives on picturesque historic grounds. $$-$$$. Good values can be found.
FARMINGTON ANTIQUES SHOW - Sat. & Sun. June 14 & 15 and August 30 & 31, 600 exhibitors, 10am-5pm. Early admission: 7:00 am-good for beating Saturday crowds, Farmington Polo Grounds, inf.-508-839-9735, Huge outdoor show with wide variety of low to mid-priced antiques. Most dealers under tents. Some repros mixed in, $-$$$, Bad traffic situation on Saturday. Visit Sunday and bargain!
WILTON OUTDOOR SHOW - Sat. & Sun. June 21 & 22, 200 exhibitors, early admission: 8:00 am, Field north of Wilton High School, Rt. 7., inf.-203-762-3525. Crowded outdoor show strong in folk art and quality country antiques. $$$.
BRIMFIELD - Tuesday through Saturday, July 8-12, and September 2-6, 3000 exhibitors showing wares from early morning to app. 4:30 PM on half mile stretch of route 20 in Brimfield, Mass. 508-347-3929. One of the country's most entertaining shows. Takes place spring, summer, and fall. Summer show lacks luster of other shows. This is antique bargain browsing at its best. Good variety. Lots of walking-leave kids and dog at home. $-$$$.
NEW HAMPSHIRE DEALER'S SHOW - August 7-9, Thursday-Friday 10:00 am-8:00 PM. Saturday 10:00 am- 4:00 PM, 63 exhibitors, Holiday Inn in center of Manchester, NH. 603-269-7411, Good indoor show. One of several New Hampshire antique festivities occurring the same week. $$$-$$$$.
FALL ANTIQUES SHOW - Wed.-Sun. September 24-28, 75 dealers, Park Ave. Armory, Park Ave. & 67th St. New York City, Doors open at 11:00 am. High priced antique folk art, country furniture, etc.. 212-777-5218. Top off your summer with a trip to the big apple and see a jazzy show. $$$$$.
Summer Antique Shows
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