LARNED — A person doesn’t have to be an antique collector to stop by the Larned Area Chamber’s annual Antique, Vintage, & Collectible Show, notes Kristin Keith.
“I get it. Most people don’t understand crazy, obsessed, antique collectors,” noted Keith, who has been associated with the show for more than 20 of its 52 years in Larned. “Who wants all those dust-catchers in your house?”
It could be as simple as wanting a clock for the fireplace mantel, a centerpiece for the dining room table or something for that bare corner nook that has its own story to tell, Keith notes.
The 52nd annual show slated for Friday through Sunday, Feb. 10-12 at the Larned Community Center at 1500 Toles in Larned features 16 knowledgeable vendors who are more than willing to share information as well as show their wares. Hours are Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is $2 per person.
Like Keith, some of the vendors have been at the show 20 years or more. Some of them are working on their first decade. With a variety of specialties available, they are more than willing to answer questions about a family heirloom or help find an interesting showpiece to set off the house decor.
“There’s anything from pottery, glassware, jewelry, furniture, primitive – what we call repurposed – items. We have a couple of dealers take old pieces of architecture or furniture and kind of revamp them,” Keith said. “We have somebody who specializes in advertising and baseball cards and postcards.”
She describes it as a variety so wide, it’s a place where a collector can come and find just about anything they want. Books, pictures, classic board games and more could all be found at the show, as well.
It’s worth it to come for the food, as well.
In addition to the extensive group of antiques vendors, the show features concessions, including homemade goods such as soup, cake and pie.
Before the big event, the vendors all assemble for Thursday’s dealer’s dinner. It’s like coming to a family reunion, Keith noted.
“Once a year and get together with all our friends that we’ve met over the years. That’s my favorite part,” Keith said.
