Explore Benicia, Niles, San Juan Bautista successfully
Coming up is a summertime trio of historic one-day antiques shows. Between them, the towns of Benicia, San Juan Bautista and Fremont’s Niles neighborhood have logged more than 160 years’ worth of sales.
Whether you are a novice or veteran hobbyist, when attending these big outdoor shows be sure to: Arrive early. Bring a shopping bag, measuring tape, color swatches. Stay hydrated. Wear a hat. Use sunscreen. Bring cash. While many sellers accept credit cards, you may be able to negotiate a better price when you use green. Dine locally. And have fun.
PEDDLERS FAIR >> In Benicia, the former state capital, about 300 vendors will congregate along First Street for the 2018 Peddlers Fair on Aug. 11. This event dates to 1963.
The organizers are smart to place the antique dealers in one location — at the head of First Street. Elsewhere, shoppers will find newer merchandise such as handcrafted clothing, jewelry, toys, jellies, foodstuffs and lots more. In between inspecting the goods on the crowded thoroughfare, stop in at the various antiques boutiques that line downtown Benicia.
Once again, I’ll take part in the fundraising effort for St. Paul’s Episcopal Church by providing verbal evaluations. No cost for the first piece; $10 donation is requested for additional items with a limit of two. Firearms, coins, stamps and precious jewelry not examined. Hours: 10 a.m to 1 p.m. near First and J streets. It is a great opportunity for me to chat with many East Bay readers.
DETAILS >> Aug. 11 along First Street in Benicia. The fun goes from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission and parking are free. No dogs allowed. For information, call 707745-8680, or visit the website, www.beniciapeddlersfair.org.
ANTIQUES AND COLLECTIBLES FAIR >> Sponsored by the Rotary Club, the 54th yearly Antiques and Collectibles Fair will take place Aug. 12 in charming San Juan Bautista.
About 100 exhibitors will sell their wares off Third Street in the mission town founded in 1797. You’ll see silver, glass, china, jewelry, ephemera, furniture, clocks and books. Be certain to watch for signs alerting you to garage sales that occur around town.
After you’ve made the rounds, explore stores and eateries in this idyllic town, made famous as a backdrop in Alfred Hitchcock’s 1958 film “Vertigo.”
Please drop by to see me from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to chat or share one of your precious keepsakes. There’s no charge for these informal evaluations. I’ll be at the Union Bank Building, Third and Mariposa streets. Nearby, visit the San Juan Bakery and Grocery, 319 Third St., for a coffee, a loaf of bread or a pastry.
DETAILS >> Aug. 12, Third Street, San Juan Bautista The fair’s official hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., but savvy buyers arrive as the roosters begin to crow. Free admission and parking. Dogs are not allowed. For information, call 831-623-4107 or visit the website, www.rotarysanjuanbautista.com. Proceeds go to the Rotary Club’s numerous community programs.
NILES ANTIQUE FAIRE & FLEA MARKET >> The 54th Niles Antique Faire & Flea Market takes place Aug. 26 in the historic Niles District of Fremont. It’s one of the oldest shows held in our neck of the woods and could draw as many as 30,000 visitors.
More than 225 merchants will assemble on the streets of this historic district in Fremont, where silent movies featuring early stars Charlie Chaplin and Broncho Billy Anderson used to be produced. You’ll discover myriad antiques and collectibles, jewelry, radios, plants and garden objects, crafts, toys and more.
Lots of folks head to Niles to inspect what’s being hawked at neighborhood sales that mushroom on side streets. Last year, a friend snagged 48 pieces of matching stemware for $10.
Also, inspect the antiques emporiums that make their permanent home downtown. Two high on my list to visit are Iron Dog Antiques (37589 Niles Blvd.) and My Friends and I (37521 Niles Blvd.).
DETAILS >> Aug. 26, Niles Town Plaza, 37592 Niles Blvd., Fremont, The event kicks off at 6 a.m. and goes on until 4 p.m., but the famous pancake breakfast begins at 5 a.m. Admission and parking are free. Dogs not advised due to heat. For information, call 510-742-9868, or visit the website www.info@niles.org.