Some dealers arrived to set up on Sunday for the Monday, Lasdon Memorial Day Antiques Fair on May 25. The weather predictions for the afternoon were worrisome; even tornados were possible and thunder could be heard. Yet over Lasdon Park the sun kept shining and only a few sprinkles fell for less than five minutes.
Monday was a perfect day for this 24th annual event. Attendance reached just under 2,000 people and although 52 dealers were prepaid, those paying as “drive ups” increased the show size to 70 booths of generous proportions. Customers started to arrive an hour early and formed a long line waiting for the 10 am opening. The field quickly filled with customers and remained busy all day long.
The majority of dealers who talked about the show, reported a “good day” based on their newly revised expectations. The Kugelmans from West Hartford, Conn., with etchings and prints, as well as vintage kitchen accessories, said they “had the best show since 2008.”
The Freemans of Blue Shutter Antiques, Montgomery, N.Y., sold a wonderful wrought iron patio set. A perfectly refinished wagon seat was an early sale for Mark and Teresa Ridgeway, Terry’s Treasures, Mahopac, N.Y.
The two rug dealers who set up Monday morning left with lighter loads. Jorge Vasquez from Peekskill, N.Y., and Aminullah Noori of New Milford, Conn., said they had good sales throughout the day.
Julius Klepacz, Danbury, Conn., who trades under the name A Charmed Life, reported doing very well with her amazing colorful chenille bedspreads. Ann and Mark Marsh, also from Danbury, were busy all day selling pottery, metal and wood containers and garden pieces.
Jewelry sales were brisk at the booth of Long Island dealers, the Edens. Also reporting a most successful show were the Reinhardts from Woonsocket, R.I. They offered World’s Fair memorabilia, farm and kitchen tools.
Jewelry dealer, Diane Belford of Bridgewater, Conn., set up a beautiful display under the big tent and her efforts were well rewarded by her sales.
The show felt good, people had fun and to quote Flora Haller, Chappaqua, N.Y., antiques dealer who came as a customer, “Cord Shows always have a buzz, a certain energy.”
Vivien Cord and Ed McClure are gearing up for their biggest event of the year, the 17th annual Antiques in the Church Yard. More than 3,000 people are expected on Saturday, July 4, at 8 Shady Lane, South Salem/Vista, N.Y. There will be 120 dealers packed onto the front yard of Stevens Church. Cord Shows Ltd returns to Lasdon Park for the 25th Labor Day Antiques Fair on Monday, September 7. For information, www.Cordshows.com or 914-273-4667.
