Bay Area summer collectibles events from Moss Landing to Niles
Collectors and architecturally curious folks have some special summer events to attend over the next several weeks. Here’s what you have to look forward to:
MOSS LANDING ANTIQUE STREET FAIR
>> On July 28, the
49th annual Moss Landing Antique Street Fair will be held in the coastal village of Moss Landing. I have been going to this event for decades and often find a prize or two. Last time, I bought a sterling silver serving piece ($85) and some homemade jellies.
More than 200 visiting merchants will sell a huge assortment of vintage and new merchandise. I like the addition of plants, wind chimes and birdhouses.
Two bits of advice: Watch out for the numerous gopher holes in the ground. You want to avoid a fall while on a treasure hunt. Don a hat and use sunscreen to prevent getting burned.
Shopping builds an appetite. Food selections include the tasty seafood at Phil’s Fish Market (7600 Sandholdt Road), an appetizing breakfast from Moss Landing Café (421 Moss Landing Road) or the delectable fried artichokes at the food truck.
DETAILS >> Moss Landing is halfway between Monterey and Santa Cruz on Highway 1. Hours 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission: $5. No charge for children 12 and under. Parking is free or in private lots for a small fee. No dogs allowed. For more information, go tyo seemonterey.com/events/community/antique-fair/ or call 831-633-4501.
BENICIA PEDDLER’S FAIR >> In the former state capital, about 300 vendors will congregate downtown for the 2019 Peddler’s Fair on Aug. 10. The event dates back to 1963.
The organizers are smart to place the antique dealers in one location: at the head of First Street. Elsewhere, shoppers find a medley of newer merchandise such as handcrafted clothing, jewelry and toys. In between inspecting the goods on the crowded thoroughfare, stop in at the various antique boutiques and eateries that line downtown Benicia.
Once more, I will take part in the fundraising efforts for St. Paul’s Episcopal Church by providing informal evaluations. No cost for the first piece. A donation of $10 is requested for additional items, with a limit of two. (Coins, stamps, precious jewelry and firearms not examined). Hours: 10 a.m-1 p.m. near First and J streets This is a wonderful opportunity for me to chat with readers.
DETAILS >> The fun takes place 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission and parking are free. No dogs allowed. For more information, go to beniciapeddlersfair.org/ or call 707-745-8680.
SAN JUAN BAUTISTA ANTIQUE & CRAFTS FAIR >> On Aug. 11, charming San Juan Bautista will host its 55th annual antiques and collectibles fair, sponsored by the Rotary Club.
About 100 exhibitors will present their wares off Third Street in the mission town founded in 1797. You’ll find silver, glass, china, jewelry, ephemera, furniture, clocks and books. Be sure to look for signs alerting you to the many garage sales that pop up all over the area.
After you’ve made the rounds, there are stores and eateries to explore in this idyllic town famed director Alfred Hitchcock used as a backdrop for his 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 at Third and Mariposa streets.
Nearby, visit the San Juan Bakery and Grocery, 319 Third St., for coffee, a loaf of bread or wonderful pastry.
DETAILS >> The fair’s official hours may be 8 a.m.-4 p.m., but savvy buyers arrive as the roosters begin to crow. Free admission and parking. No dogs. For more information, go to rotarysanjuanbautista.
com/sjb-antique—craftfair.html or call Leslie at 203-612-0761. Proceeds benefit the Rotary Club’s community programs.
VILLA MONTALVO SUMMER LUNCHEONS >> Support the preservation of Saratoga’s historic Villa Montalvo by attending one of Montalvo Service Group’s weekly summer luncheons that take place on Wednesdays between Wednesday and Aug. 28. Each al fresco luncheon takes place on the front and side veranda of the villa and features its own unique menu and an informal fashion show. (Note: Some dates are already sold out).
DETAILS >> Seating is available at noon, 12:30 p.m. or 1 p.m. Cost: $46, plus $5 service fee. For more information, go to montalvoarts.org/programs/ brunches_luncheons/ or call 408-961-5858.
NILES ANTIQUE FAIRE & FLEA MARKET >> The 55th annual Niles Antique Faire & Flea Market takes place Aug. 25. This is a very popular event that could draw as many as 30,000 visitors.
More than 225 merchants will assemble on the streets of this historic Fremont district where silent movies featuring Charlie Chaplin and Broncho Billy Anderson were produced in the 1900s. You will find many antiques and collectibles, plus surprises hawked at garage sales that mushroom on the side streets.
The extravaganza 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 to bring due to heat. For more information, go to niles.org/ antique-faire/or call 510742-9868.
SPECIAL NOTE >> Dealer Eleanor Tibbetts, owner of Tibbett’s Treasures in downtown Campbell, died April 9 at the age of 97. She was known for the exceptional primitive antiques featured in her shop and her home.
Local collector Lucy Renwick, 95, died March 26. She was the only individual I have known to amass a collection of stanhopes, which are scopes used to view microphotographs.
Both women taught me a great deal about the world of antiques. Farewell.