The antiques shows we participate in fall into two categories; one-day and multi-day shows.  There are advantages and hardships to both, and we have settled on a mix of the two throughout the year.  The shows that last for several days give a greater opportunity for customer traffic and allow us to establish our display and settle in for a while.  The one-day shows start early in the morning and make for a long day, but then they are over and we go home and relax. 

Last Sunday we did what is probably our favorite one-day show of the year, held at Lakeside Farms in Round Lake, NY.  The location, right up the road from the Round Lake Antiques Fest held in June, is terrific.  The season is lovely, timed to coincide with Lakeside Farms apple-harvest specialties.  And the promoter, Pat Parisi, brings energy and enthusiasm to a small show that is rarely matched by other show promoters. 

 Hilary and Karen Wheaton.

This year we had the added bonus of being neighbors with our friends Karen and Mark Wheaton, of Maria’s Pond Antiques.  They have always shopped this show, but after finding out about a last-minute cancellation they decided to pack the van and join in the fun.  We had such a nice time with them.  They have helped and encouraged us so much over the years, and we value their experience, advice and friendship so much. 

We had a very good show and a nice day, visiting with customers and friends from the area (as well as making sales, of course.)  And this is the show that our older son is doing with us, starting last year.  He is 8 years old, and he collects stock throughout the summer in anticipation of this day.  He prices his merchandise himself, and mans his table. Last year he did very well, and this year he did even better!  He has an interest in Asian antiques, and this year he sold (among other things) a Chinese painting on silk, a ginger jar lamp and a soapstone carved figure.  He also had a charming child-sized kimono that we were surprised did not sell. 

Here is a picture of him perusing the wares in Danette and John Darrow’s booth.  They are his favorite because of their beautiful Japanese and Chinese items. 

As the day wore on and sales slowed down a little, he got tired and bored.  He decided on his own how to handle it, however, and we discovered this note on his table.  Spelling doesn’t count.

That is the end of shows for us this year.  Time now to buckle down for the fall, concentrate on the shop in Hudson (Warren Street Antiques) and develop this web site.  I am excited and full of ideas – I love this time of year!