May Show Kicks Off Antique Summer Fair Season

The Utica Antiques Market kicked off the antique summer fair season last weekend in the first of its three shows planned for this year. Held at the Knights of Columbus Grounds in Utica, the Antiques Market always offers acres of treasures waiting to be discovered by the savvy shopper.

Lucy Contraras, a vendor whose husband has hosted a booth at the show for the past 20 years, said that compared to other antique shows, “this is a really good show. They have a lot of variety.”

Among the vendors, one can find Victorian furniture, vintage jewelry, and lots of glassware and china. There are books and paintings, tools and clothing, and plenty of architectural artifacts.

Contraras also likes to shop the show. “I always find something that I really want," she said. “It’s a fun place to be…the park is lovely.”

Linda Serra, a vendor and co-owner of the Merchandise Exchange located in Utica, features vintage radios, pottery, and jewelry in her booth. After years of collecting antiques, she and her husband decided to open the business as “a labor of love.”

"Because of the economy, people are more open minded now about reusing, recycling, and reselling,” Serra said.

The next two shows, scheduled for July 9-10 and September 10-11, will also be held at the Knights of Columbus Grounds on 21 Mile Road, one mile east of Van Dyke. In the meantime, you can visit the Merchandise Exchange on Auburn Road in Utica for a sample of the kinds of things you’ll find at the upcoming Utica Antiques Market shows.

More information about The Utica Antiques Market can be found at www.UticaAntiques.com.