Pennsylvania’s Largest Antique and Collectibles Show Returns To Rauch Fieldhouse April 13-14

View The First Miss America Crown, Enjoy Original Houdini Magic And Win Autographed Copy of Carol Channing’s Memoir

Bethlehem, Pa. -- From the refined to the raucous, America’s fascination with the wonderful and weird icons of the past will be celebrated when the 29th Antique City Fun Fair -- the largest and most diverse indoor antique, art and collectibles show in Pennsylvania -- returns to Lehigh University’s Rauch Fieldhouse in Bethlehem on April 13-14.

One of the most popular attractions this year will be the original Miss America crown that was awarded to Margaret Gorman, who represented the District of Columbia at the inaugural 1921 competition in Atlantic City.

The show will also feature an Island where antique dolls, clothing and accessories are presented along with Teddy bears galore. Visitors are invited to bring their favorite to Booth 518 where expert Philip May will share its genealogy and value. 

Leaning to the raucous are devices such as the Pennsylvania Prohibition Pretzel, a pocket-sized flask once used to conceal demon rum, a flashlight with booze in the batteries and a walking stick with hooch in the handle.

In addition, David Haversat, an authority on the life of famed escape artist Harry Houdini and author of “Houdini - A Pictorial Life,” will perform with some fascinating memorabilia from the great magician’s life and career.

Show Producer Norman Schaut moved his megashow to Rauch Fieldhouse for the first time last year after 24 shows in Atlantic City and suburban Philadelphia.

“Attendance tripled,” Schaut said. “The Lehigh Valley is convenient to collectors in eastern Pennsylvania, New York, Delaware and Maryland.  We found our permanent home in the heart of collecting country.”  

Among the attractions will be drawings throughout the weekend for copies of ‘Just Lucky I Guess”, the autography of legendary stage and screen actress Carol Channing of “Hello Dolly” fame.  

The 91-year-old Channing flew in from California for a performance and visit with Norman and JoAnne Schaut.  The Toni Award winner autographed copies of her memoir for presentation to 30 lucky attendees of the Antique City Fun Fair.

In a format similar to THE ANTIQUES ROAD SHOW, a group of experts will provide descriptive appraisals on Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m.  The $5 per item fee and all Sunday ticket sales will be donated to the pediatric unit of Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital in Allentown, the 100th Anniversary of The Center for Animal Health and Welfare in Easton and the Wounded Warrior Project.

Browsers and shoppers will find everything from furniture to fine art, jewelry to jukeboxes, Mickey Mouse to Mickey Mantle, dolls and trains to ships and planes.

MAINE ANTIQUE DIGEST, the largest monthly newspaper in its field, gave a rave review to the 2012 show, “In true Fun Fair fashion the variety at the show was staggering.  In a world of Craigslist and eBay, this event brought back the vibe and feel of a grand, old-fashioned antique show.”

Show hours are Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 10 a.m. admission is $8. The Saturday 8 a.m. preview is $12.  There is no charge for children under 12 and parking is free.  For information visit www.AntiqueCityShow.com.

GPS Address: 123 Goodman Drive, Bethlehem, PA.                

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Captions:

This 1908 Houdini lithographed poster depicts the magician’s death-defying escape from a canister filled with water.  Both the great magician and the vessel were padlocked.

Miss America 1996, Shawntel Smith, holds the delicate, jeweled tiara that was presented to Margaret Gorman who represented the District of Columbia in the inaugural 1921 competition in Atlantic City.

The Pennsylvania Prohibition Pretzel, a pocket-sized flask with funnel and stopper was once used to conceal demon rum.  Other devious devices included a flashlight with booze in the batteries and a walking stick with hooch in the handle.