Mark your calendar for the 78th Annual Antiques Show & The National Dog Show: 2025!
It all started with an ad I read, of course: The Bucks County Antiques Dealers Association proudly presents The 2024 Annual Antiques Show. I tore out the ad, and put it aside thinking it might be something to consider. Then, like all effective ad cam- paigns, I continued to see the same ad for at least three times, reminding me to pay attention and GO! (Sound familiar?!)
It worked. I paid attention and went. Yes, antiques are of interest to me. I remember going with my parents to the Berlin Market in New Jersey to the auction there as they hunted “antiques.” And then there were the trips to Pottstown where they had their favorite haunts. And today I’m a frequent visitor to the Philadelphia Flea downtown and in Berwyn, so when something so convenient arose, why not? I was being called to attention!!!
Held at St. Cyril of Jerusalem Church in Jamison, as I approached the crowded parking lot I saw people leaving with filled shopping bags. Good sign, I thought. People are buying… and my anticipation for what I might find was growing.
Entering the hall, I saw about 30 or more exhibitors. Dealers from as far away as Virginia and all points in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware displaying their wares. Every piece I examined had a story and the exhibitor was at the ready with its recounting. I guess that’s why I like what is “old.” I like the back “story.”
I picked up some old pamphlets that described what was then modern day attire, travel mediums, housing options. The descrip- tions were so simple and clear… and not at all how we would describe the same today. These were a perfect treat for my sister-in- law, Eileen. A playwrite, I think she will enjoy the simplicity of the descriptions and she likes “old stuff” too!!
Along the way I picked up a book of letters by Abraham Lincoln for my brother, Neal. He loves all kinds of ephemera. But what I found most attractive in this find, and I hope he will too, is that the owner of this book had folded up newspaper announcements of the re-opening of the Ford’s Theatre, the site of President Lincoln’s assassination. Here was a person who interacted with his book and maintained a history of the man behind the letters. Let’s hope Neal appreciates this.
I visited one room with old sheet music. I was tempted to go “hog-wild” in this room. Then there was the room covered in Americana. And Michael Gunselman had some really neat early 20th century American toys. The advertising tins and signs and political items at Pentimento caught my eye. And the textiles and jewelry at Serapi Antiques definitely got my juices run- ning!!
For this antique lover, this show was manageable and accessible. I will definitely be a repeat visitor. And if antiques are your thing, check it out next year. You will not be overwhelmed by an overly abundant amount of vendors, but will be satisfied by just-the-right quality and variety. Remember the 2025 Annual Antiques Show coming to our area next Fall!!!
If you like dogs and you’re like me, you might be a fan of The National Dog Show that hits the airwaves on Thanksgiving. Even if you like them “from a distance” you can’t help but get swept up in the grace and attention they exhibit as they perform for their handlers. It’s really something special to watch.
Well, I had a special treat this year as I went with my son and his family to the show held at Oaks. Quite an experience. And talk about filled parking lots!!! Fortunately, I parked on a gravel lot which helped me identify where my car was located!!
Whew!
Young and old, the hall was filled with beautifully “coiffed” dogs, so well behaved. As we walked through the immense space we could witness all facets of this amazing event. There was one area where the dogs, and their handlers rested. Here they were groomed, ate and just “chilled” until called upon to compete. Interestingly, the handlers were very welcoming and invited my grandkids to interact with their dogs. Big and bigger, small and smaller, these show dogs love to be primped. You could tell by their regal stance when being groomed that they were in their “space” and no distraction was too great.
It was interesting to see the dogs perform upfront and close. At attention on their handlers’ demand, they performed magnifi- cently. Really… man’s best friend was at his best in this arena for young and old to enjoy.
