I’ve sometimes commented that auctions offer bad coffee and good donuts. “Back in the day” when there were frequent on-site auctions, the food tent that followed the auctioneer was typically manned by local families or organizations. Regular followers of the country auctions knew the specialties and made sure they purchased their snack before it sold out. I even recall people buying their slice of pie early and asking the kitchen to save it for them for lunchtime!
Antiques shows also have had a variety of dining options. The late-lamented Kiwanis Club show in Geneseo, NY, was well-known for its foodservice, and the pie from the church stand at the East Bloomfield show was as tempting as the antiques. There’s also the chatter that relates to restaurants near the site of shows. Dealers and buyers who travel a distance will often have a favorite place to go after the show. We know antique collectors and dealers often enter into friendly debates about the age or authenticity of an item. However asking about the favorite regional hot dog brand might require a referee. In Western New York is it Zweigle’s vs. Hoffman’s vs. Sahlen’s.
Making attendance at a show an “experience” is a great way to add to the enjoyment of antiquing. Linda and I typically will find “something else” to do when we travel a bit to visit a show. After touring the show we might find a restaurant or ice cream stand, an interesting “Main Street” shopping area, or a community-operated museum. March has typically been a good time to stop at a “sugar shack” during Maple Weekend around New York State.
It won’t be too long before farm stands and farm markets begin to open for the season. Many sell a variety of locally made products and baked goods as well as produce, and sometimes they feature live music. As the calendar moves toward summer, there are often free concerts in parks, outdoor art shows and antique auto shows on local streets.
Making attendance at a show a multi-task, or better said, a multi-enjoyment event is something to chew on.
