The Niles Main Street Association is proud to sponsor the
upcoming 53rd Annual Niles Antique Faire. This community event plays host to
thousands of antique aficionados and collectors looking for everything from
furniture to jewelry, housewares to vintage tools, artwork to antique auto
parts, and much, much more.
Early risers can enjoy $5 pancake breakfasts cooked up by
the Lions Club starting at 4 a.m. next to the green Merchants Association train
car. They’ll need that energy to seek out the elusive bargain or perfect
addition to a collection from hundreds of vendors and family garage sales,
since the entire neighborhood east of the main thoroughfare joins in the fun,
setting up their own garage sales, tables, refreshment stands, and more. Vendors
will be setting up between 2 a.m. and 4:30 a.m. so bring your flashlight if you
want a preview. Many of the families in the area start their own sales on
Saturday.
Head organizer for the past ten years, Keith Elrod (of
Keith’s Collectibles) notes that the event is more than an antique show, it’s a
family event. Many similar events, such as that San Juan Bautista have been
going since the sixties. “There are three or four more in the area of about the
same age,” says Elrod. “Somewhere in the past people just though it would be a
good idea to put on community antique shows.”
“We work closely with the police and fire departments to
make sure this is a safe event,” Elrod notes. Moreover, “it’s a good moneymaker
for the Boy Scouts who handle the parking.”
Estimated attendance has topped 50,000 in the past, which is
certainly good for the vendors, but crowds and high temperatures mean pets
should stay at home. Do bring your appetite, as there will be a variety of food
vendors. Kiwanis is expected to be on hand with their delicious linguica
plates.
Tastes in collecting are definitely changing. Even as a new
generation discovers the joy of collecting and treasuring the past, values are
constantly fluctuating. Part of what makes antiquing and collecting fun is
guessing what the next big trend will be and finding the perfect examples that
will be valuable in the future. Traditional collectors try to complete or
extend the collections they already have, while others enjoy the nostalgia of
reconnecting with the things they knew as kids. Toys and sports memorabilia,
for instance, continue to hold their own. Furthermore, as antique dealers
retire, the overall content of the antique and collectible market evolves.
Not to be left out of the collectors market are new arts and
crafts being produced by extraordinarily talented local artists and artisans. Additionally,
the stores and restaurants that regular Niles visitors love will be open, as
well. Besides antiques, faire-goers can expect to find jewelry, plants, garden
items and more. Whatever you enjoy collecting, it’s almost sure to be found in
Niles this weekend.
Niles Antique Faire and Flea Market
Sunday, Aug 26, 2017
6 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Historic Niles District
http://www.niles.org/antique-faire/
(510) 742-9868
Free
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