Guaranteed authentic: Fox Valley Antiques Show and Sale a 'safe' place to shop

Debbie McArdle, president of the Chicago Suburban Antiques Dealers Association, says the organization's 44th Fall Fox Valley Antiques Show and Sale is different from other antique sales.

“(Ours is) the only remaining authentic antiques show in the Chicago area that guarantees merchandise to be authentic — merchandise is vetted for authenticity before the show opens to the public,” McArdle said. “Most shows have become ‘buyer beware' markets.”

The show and sale is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 20-21, at the Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles, Admission is $10, with a $2 discount available at www.csada.com. Admission is free to anyone younger than 25. A catered lunch with comfortable seating is available; parking is free.

McArdle said the show gathers about 55 seasoned dealers from 15 or more states, including Canada, and is produced “100 percent” by volunteers.

“None of the admission charged goes into the pocket of a show promoter,” McArdle said. “Rather, net profits benefit other nonprofits.”

Not sure how to incorporate antiques into your decor?

At the show, dealers' booths are displayed in room settings with an emphasis on decorative and graphic design, illustrating how antiques complement any type of architecture and decorating scheme. Items for sale include a variety of affordable and authentic 18th through mid-20th century items. A “screened” show assures merchandise authenticity, allowing customers to buy with confidence, McArdle said.

“(The show) has participants who are happy to share their knowledge with the public, which is why we call it a show AND sale,” McArdle said, adding that this makes it a good show for newcomers or those who might be intimidated by antiques.

“Newcomers … will find it a ‘safe' place to look, learn and purchase,” McArdle said. “In addition, our dealers always provide a written receipt and each item purchased is guaranteed to be accurately tagged and identified. To encourage young collectors, we have a special promotion: Those 25 years or younger (or with a current student ID at any age) are invited to attend the show at no charge.”

McArdle, who is originally from Hinsdale but now lives in Crystal Lake with her husband Jim, is an antiques dealer and collector and finds the business satisfying on many levels.

“When I relax among my antique furnishings, I enjoy thinking about their history,” she said. “What did the owner 100 or 150 years ago look like? If the object could somehow record voices, what would the conversation be? Aside from history, it is satisfying to find an additional way to recycle; to help our planet.”

“Furniture created from trees harvested 100, 150 and 200 years ago is still beautiful, serviceable, relevant and safe,” she added. “Why buy 21st century chemical-laden particle board furniture?”