Niles will hold 53rd annual Antique Faire
It’s one of the oldest shows in one of the Bay Area’s most charming historic districts. The Niles Antique Faire & Flea Market will return Aug. 27 for its 53rd year and the event could draw as many as 30,000 visitors.
More than 225 merchants will assemble on the streets of the Fremont district where silent movies featuring early stars Charlie Chaplin and Broncho Billy Anderson were once produced. You will find antiques, collectibles, jewelry, plants and garden items, crafts, toys and oodles more.
Lots of folks also head to the nearby neighborhoods to inspect what’s being sold at the impromptu sales that mushroom all over. Last year, a pal snagged a set of dishes for an unbelievable $20.
In addition, be sure you inspect the antique emporiums that make their permanent home downtown. Two on my list of those to drop in on are Iron Dog Antiques (37589 Niles Blvd.) and My Friends and I (37521 Niles Blvd.).
The show begins at 6 a.m. and goes until 4 p.m., but the famous pancake breakfast starts at 5 a.m. Admission is free. Details: 510-742-9868, or www. niles.org.
Want to make a day of it? Plan in advance to take a scenic ride on the Niles Canyon Railway. It lasts about 90 minutes. Tickets: $13 adults, seniors $10 and children $7 (ages 3-7). Details: 510-996-8420, or www.ncry.org.
Film buffs may wish to visit the Essanay Silent Film Museum (37417 Niles Blvd.) for an astonishing journey back in time. Specifics: 510-494-1411.
WORTHY CAUSES >> The Campbell Museum Foundation and the Campbell Kiwanis will host two nights of murder, mystery and merriment Sept. 1516. There is no need fretting, however, as wouldbe participants are “dying” to celebrate these worthy community causes.
The fund-raisers boast a 1920s “whodunit” theme with guests exploring clues in the famed Ainsley House (a 1925 English Tudor Revival-style cottage), interviewing suspects and noshing on a buffet dinner. Once the mystery is solved, you can dance away the rest of the night in the stunning garden and participate in a raffle (Sept. 15), or bid in a silent auction (Sept. 16).
The Sept. 15 event benefits the Campbell Kiwanis’ 90th anniversary. The Sept. 16 bash supports the Campbell Museums. Tickets: $75 per person and limited to 100 guests. The program begins at 6 p.m. each night with cocktails in the Garden Speakeasy, Ainsley House, 300 Grant Street. Campbell. Tickets: www.campbellmuseums. com, 408-866-2119.
SANTA CLARA SALE >> The Harris-Lass Museum will hold its annual Summer Yard Sale on Sept. 9. I know readers like this kind of sale because you never know what kinds of buys lurk at such dispersals.
And if you are not familiar with the 1865 Italianate-style residence, it’s handsomely furnished, surrounded by outer buildings, including a tank house and staffed by eager volunteers who are passionate about preservation.
In the perimeter of the pretty gardens, you’ll find antiques, collectibles, garden items, vintage hats, arts and crafts, plus other treasures in search of a new home. Watch for markeddown merchandise from the museum gift shop.
The Harris-Lass House is at 1889 Market Street, Santa Clara. Docent-led tours are available. Sale hours: 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Details: 408-249-7905.
FAITHFUL READERS >> My deep thanks to the multitude of readers who visited me in Benicia and San Juan Bautista during last weekend’s shows. Some came to hobnob, but many brought family heirlooms or newfound riches for appraisal.
One woman in Benicia had a run of Life magazines in pristine — as in never-read — condition. The collection began with the premiere issue from Nov. 23, 1936, which illustrates Fort Peck Dam as photographed by Margaret Bourke-White. That single magazine can command as much as $600.