By Maddy Vitale
Step back in time at the Ocean City Antiques & Collectibles Fair on Saturday, July 13, where vintage pieces from metal toys to teacups bring out the nostalgia for some and give others a new adventure into the days of old.
From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., pieces will be on display telling stories of eras gone by. Paper memorabilia, including old Ocean City booklets, may jog a fond memory or two.
Small pieces of furniture made of the fine craftsmanship that came with the early 1900s and late 1800s could add to someone’s home décor.
Now in its sixth year, the show, in the Ocean City Community Center, 1735 Simpson Ave., will feature 23 local dealers, three of whom just joined the event.
“I am excited that we have the new dealers this year, and many returning dealers will be bringing their same quality merchandise,” said Stephen Gring, antiques show manager and member of the Ocean City Historical Museum Board of Trustees. “It is a prime fundraiser for the museum and one of the bigger money-makers to benefit the curatorial efforts of the museum.”
Some of the highlights will be the museum’s Curatorial Committee table.
“This year the museum table has china and books and shore-related items,” Gring noted. “There will also be some surprises there.”
The show will feature some interesting pieces. One of the new dealers takes photos from old books and mattes them.
“The pictures are historical, whimsical and child-related. They are really spectacular,” Gring said. “I think they will be popular items at the show, and they are priced very reasonably.”
Another new addition to the show is a woman who sells linens.
“I know her from doing other shows. She sells all types of napkins, tablecloths and things,” Gring said. “I hope she is successful as well.”
Gring and his wife, Mary Ann, also sell antiques, mostly books, children’s toys and small pieces of furniture.
The fair, which is free and open to the public, also showcases nautical items, glassware, jewelry, and some rare books, Gring said.
A dollar donation is all that is asked for from visitors and will go toward the Ocean City Historical Museum Curatorial Committee.
Gring noted that volunteers helped put together the show.
He added that people don’t have to be dealers, experts or even collectors of antiques — they just have to have a love and appreciation of the pieces.
And, Gring added, all of the items tell a story of long ago. Every piece has a history and has stood the test of time to be appreciated and valued by generation after generation.
