ELORA – The annual spring Elora Antique Show, presented by Antique Shows Canada, attracted 2,340 visitors to the Jefferson Community Centre on April 13 and 14.
Organizer Jeff Gadsden of Shelburne said of the 38 dealers, some were local, and many came from as far away as Brockville and Sarnia.
Gadsden said Elora has always been welcoming and that he has enjoyed his relationships with local merchants.
This year, Fraberts Fresh Food was brought in to cater the event.
Antique and vintage – The Elora Antique and Vintage show ran April 13 to 14 at the Jefferson Elora Community Centre. One of the vendors was Olga Domjan from Hands to Work in Elora. She has been collecting antiques for over 40 years and sells 19th and 20th century paintings and prints; Inuit graphics, carvings and artefacts; and art, baskets and artefacts from other Indigenous artists, among other items. Photos by Nicole Beswitherick
“A number of dealers told us how much they enjoyed the food,” Gadsden said. “We are happy to have them back next year.”
Local vendor Ken Feakins, of Ken Feakins Antiques and Furniture Refinishing, said it was a great show.
“We didn’t come home with much,” he said. “We’ve already received emails from people about how much they love the pieces they bought.”
Karyn Phan of Owen Sound said, “It was our first time doing this show and we really had a fantastic show. The organizers were so kind and lovely to work with and the attendance was great.”
Phan has participated in a variety of shows within the Guelph, Fergus and Elora community, including The Handmade Holiday Market, Fergus Medieval Faire and Cogs and Clockworks Steampunk Festival in Fergus.
“I truly love these communities. The organizers and attendees really know how to respect and support entrepreneurs of handmade and unique items,” she said.
“Also, the great thing about where these events are organized is they have the opportunity to have a blend of the city with the country.”
Mary McGough of The Old Barracks Antiques in Canfield specializes in 19th century Canadiana. After 25 years, McGough is retiring from the business.
“This year we brought in items that had been in our Bed and Breakfast,” she said, including a fainting couch, wooden doll’s buggy and roll-top desk.
Some of the First Nations art pieces that Olga Domjan sells. She said that this is what people come to her shop for. Photos by Nicole Beswitherick
Paula Malmström, who owns and operates Glitzy Jools and Antiques and also deals in collectibles, came up from St. Catharines with her son.
“I’ve done the Elora Show approximately six times,” Malmström, said. “It’s a very nice show with a different vibe from the big-city shows.”
Visitors like the Mitchells of Cambridge were impressed with the event.
“We all had a wonderful time,” said Erik Mitchell.
“The vendors were really friendly and engaging with Azaria (age five) despite her age, so we felt very welcome.”
Photos by Nicole Beswitherick
It was a family affair, with Azaria’s grandmother, Mary Sabourin of Sarnia, joining them.
“Mary comes up once a month and absolutely loves antiques. We decided to join her in Elora and were surprised by how wonderful the event was,” said Danielle Mitchell, Azaria’s mother.
“I really enjoyed all of the rings and the Carnival glass vases. Azaria’s favourite item was a typewriter.”
Gadsden notes on the Antique Shows Canada website that, “One of the excellent perks of a visit to the Elora show is the opportunity to explore the cafés, restaurants and retail shops on Mill Street, and to enjoy the superb natural scenery.”