My goal is to publish new posts twice a week — Mondays and Thursdays. However, if you don’t see a new post on Thursday, it’s because I was too busy, so please look for a new one the following Monday.
There was a long line of cars to get in on Friday morning
The Chicago Botanic Garden Antiques and Garden Fair was held this past weekend, April 11-13, 2014, under the management of Stella Shows. The weather was considerably improved over last year, with mild temperatures in the 60s and 70s and not too much rain. You might remember there was terrible flooding last year at this time.
At times it was busy in the booth on Saturday
This year our booth was an end cap in one of the permanent buildings, Nichols Hall. It made a big difference, as we didn’t have to worry about the weather, the humidity, and the shaky floors of the tent. Attendance was strong on Friday at the opening, but it didn’t help business. Most of the attendees were women gardeners, more interested in the gardening section of the show. By the afternoon, the crowd had changed and we did some business, including some new clients. Saturday was better, with business from our existing clients and a new one. Attendance and interest was off on Sunday, but we did a little business. Overall, the show was fine — not a barn burner, but certainly worth the time, expense and effort. We’ll be back next year.
The last show of the season will start in 10 days, at Chicago’s Navy Pier. It will be the first time in Chicago for the Palm Beach Show Group, but if history is any indication, the show will be a good one. The Palm Beach Show Group knows how to promote a show, so there will be plenty of advertising, publicity and free tickets. I’m sure attendance will be great and hopefully sales will be commensurate. The show opens with a fabulous preview party on the night of Thursday, April 24th, that I just can’t wait for. (Somebody should create a new symbol to indicate sarcasm. Wouldn’t that be cool?) The show opens to the public on Friday, April 25th at 11 AM and continues until Monday, April 28th at 4 PM. This is one show you will not want to miss, with some of the country’s most important exhibitors. It will take the place of the Merchandise Mart Antique Show, which closed.
This rare R. Lalique blue Piriac vase is a recent purchase
Click here to view my new website and look around. We always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on our website and at every show. There are many items for sale, sold items with prices and free lessons about glass and lamps