The third edition of the annual June Festival of Antiques proved to be the best show to date, according to promoter Steve Lipman. In terms of the look of the show, the size of the gate, the number and quality of the dealers and the amount of buying, the one-day, June 16 show proved to be a winner, he said.
“This year’s event had excellent merchandise, which made for a great show,” stated Lipman. “The dealers were pleased with the turnout of more than 1,500 people. Within an hour of the show’s open, the fairgrounds were fully inundated with shoppers. Large and small items were selling, and the energy was very positive. The afternoon downpour cut the show short but, amazingly, there were no complaints. A lot of dealers have already requested space for next year.”
The show had the same format as previous years. There were 55 dealers set up under pavilion roofs, and another 50 on the lawn spaces between the buildings. Showgoers and dealers alike remarked how the show was “like the old days” with a good-time feeling and plenty of great merchandise to shop.
Dealers from ten states from as far away as North and South Carolina, Ohio, Virginia and New York were at this year’s show.
Sporting antiques specialists Diane and Doug McElwain from Goldsboro, N.C., sold well and indicated they would be back. Likewise, Gary Promey of Atwater, Ohio, who sold artwork, hooked rugs and an Enterprise coffee mill, among other items, said he would be back. New Oxford, Penn., dealers Sandy Hart and Daryl Reilly and Bill Jenks were first-time festival dealers and said that they would be back for 2010. Oley, Penn., dealers George Allen and Gordon Wyckoff of Raccoon Creek Antiques requested a bigger booth for next year’s show.
Carol and George Meekins of Country Treasures, Preston, Md., held down a prominent corner booth filled with original painted country furniture, pantry boxes, firkins and decorated stoneware for the third straight year. Another veteran Maryland dealer, Joan Datesman of Annapolis, brought her specialty of Quimper and early garden furniture and accessories.
Local Southern New Jersey dealers, many from the Yellow Garage Antiques (which promotes the show), were in attendance. Todd Kibler reported excellent sales, including a dry sink, several stoneware crocks and some country store advertising. Hugh Allan Luck was set up in Pavilion 3 and doubled as show photographer. Luck had an outstanding booth displaying fine art, furniture, a collection of early timers and Americana. Many people know Luck for his legendary knowledge of Halloween collectibles.
Other Yellow Garage dealers included Herman Woolfrey of West Chester, Penn., Elizabeth Ayscough of Chadds Ford, Penn., Sam and Brenda Priem, Melody Hasher, Susan Golashovsky, Gloria Irion, Frank and Yvonne Lisa and Jack Peoples. The Priems sold hooked rugs, jewelry and an abstract painting, and Peoples sold several pieces of seaweed mocha yellowware and some early glass.
Boggs Boynton of Clarksboro, N.J., reported sales of several big ticket items, including an apothecary in original paint and a cigar showcase. Dick Gove of Port Republic Decoys said he had a good show and was providing free decoy appraisals. Bob and Kay Viola of Primarily Primitives of New Hope, Penn., were set up with quality country smalls, as was Linda Grier of Langhorne, Penn.
“It was a show that had something for everyone,” said Lipman. “I saw everything from $1 postcards to a $22,500 steer weathervane. There was good glassware, pottery, vintage clothing and jewelry and, of course, a lot of great country antiques.” Lipman and his wife, Tracy Dodge, run the June Festival and operate The Yellow Garage Antiques. For information, 856-478-0300 or www.yellowgarageantiques.com .
