46th annual Fall Fox Valley Antiques Show goes virtual

Posted October 12, 2020 6:00 am

Submitted by Samantha Hoag

These cast iron hunter bookends, likely made by Hubley Mfg., is an example of the type of antiques that will be sold at the Fall Fox Valley Antiques Show, which takes place virtually Saturday, Oct. 17, through Sunday, Oct. 18. Courtesy of Dennis Raleigh Antiques & Folk Art, Searsport, Mainel

When COVID-19 hit the U.S., organizers of the Fall Fox Valley Antiques Show weren't sure if they would be able to host the annual event. Fortunately, the popular Antiques Show will open Saturday, Oct. 17, but with a twist.

This Pairpoint Puffy Apple Tree Lamp is an example of the type of antiques that will be sold at the Fall Fox Valley Antiques Show, which takes place virtually Saturday, Oct. 17, through Sunday, Oct. 18. Courtesy of George Sorensen Antiques, Minnesota

Previously held at the Kane County Fairgrounds in St. Charles, this year's show will take place completely online, allowing local antique aficionados and those from around the world to attend from the comfort of their own home.

The show will take place Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 17-18, thanks to a new online portal that will enable people from anywhere in the world to see and experience what antiques lovers in the greater Chicago area have enjoyed for almost six decades.

"We're excited to expand this show to include vendors from across North America thanks to the new virtual platform. Both the fall and spring antiques shows have generated much-needed funds for historic preservation and educational opportunities for 63 years, and we are looking forward to increasing our audience and surpassing our fundraising goals with this exciting innovation," stated Debbie McArdle, president of the Chicago Suburban Antiques Dealers Association, in a news release.

This Patriotic GAR Drum dates to 1880 and was used by members of Hagerstown, Maryland GAR Post #4 Courtesy of Jeff McArdle, Iron Horse Military Antiques

The show will feature an extensive mix of authentic antiques representing many styles, from country to formal, pilgrim century to modernism, folk art to fine art, garden to holiday, jewelry, toys, books, ephemera and more.

Hand-selected dealers from across the U.S. and Canada will be represented.

The Chicago Suburban Antiques Dealers Association typically hosts shows twice a year in St. Charles, but COVID-19 forced the group to pivot. Fortunately, Marvin Getman, an experienced East Coast show promoter, had already experienced the cancellation of several of his own shows in the spring and developed an online solution.

Folk art, such as this game board with checkers on one side, cribbage on the other, will be represented at the show, as well as fine art. Courtesy of Virginia Larsen Antiques

Working with a software team from South Africa, Getman created a unique and robust platform that has quickly become the gold standard for virtual product shows.

One of the unique features of the new online platform is the ability for the CSADA to hide the show "booths" until the moment the show starts so that buyers and dealers all have the same opportunity to buy first.

Getman's platform makes it easy for dealers to display their merchandise in a user-friendly format and the search function makes it simple for customers to find items of interest, whether searching by dealer, category, keyword, or price range. Customers deal directly with the individual dealers, no "middleman" involved.

Textiles will be well represented at the online show, including quilts, hooked rugs and samplers. Courtesy of Debbie McArdle, CSADA

As in past years, the show enables CSADA, a not-for-profit group, to continue its support of organizations devoted to historic preservation and educational pursuits.

The show will run for a continuous 32 hours, from 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, until 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18. Dealers from across the U.S. and Canada, including several who have never exhibited at Chicago area shows, will offer their finest antiques.

Admission is free. For more information, visit foxvalleyantiques.getmansvirtual.com or www.csada.com.

• • •

Fall Fox Valley Antiques Show

What: Chicago Suburban Antiques Dealers Association's 46th annual show, featuring dealers from 17 states and Canada, and at least 1,700 items for sale

When: 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, through 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18

Where: Held virtually at foxvalleyantiques.getmansvirtual.com

Details: www.csada.com.

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