Why Go To The Baltimore Antique Show?

Baltimore Summer Antique Show
August 23 – 26, 2012
Baltimore Convention Center
Downtown at the Inner Harbor

Dates: August 23 – 26, 2012
Thursday Aug. 23 12 – 8 pm
Friday Aug. 24 11 am – 7 pm
Saturday Aug. 25 11 am – 7 pm
Sunday Aug. 26 11 am – 6 pm
Admission: $15.00 Good through the run of the show.

Yes, the goods are expensive. So why go?

If for no other reason, the $15 admission is worth it to see how things were made before we embraced disposable merchandise.  There was once life before plastic and a petroleum-based world.  Things were made from natural materials and built to last so that we wouldn’t have to keep taking and taking from the planet. Goods were made with craft and care and passed from one person to the next and not just thrown in the dumpster when we grew tired of them.

Support a reuse economy.

Despite the $20,000 chest of drawers and $2,000 teapots they may sell, most antique dealers are not part of the %1.  Most are small business owners who spend a lot of effort tracking down quality items to sell.  They provide jobs for locals who run their shops, pack and deliver their merchandise, do their accounting and taxes, create their advertising and websites and so on.  Supporting folks who sell used goods is supporting a sustainable economy.

Can’t afford anything? -Grab a drink.

In the past, the Baltimore Summer Antique Show has had a few bars throughout the venue.  Take a date, grab a beverage and peruse the goods.  Can’t afford a piece of furniture? -Check out some of the booksellers for books on antique furniture.  Learn how to buy quality pieces and work your way up.

I want to buy something.  Is it real?

Ok, so maybe you are someone who has the resources to buy something, but you know nothing about antiques.  Should you be wary of getting swindled?  The Baltimore Antique Show is a vetted show.  The dealers have been carefully selected by experienced professionals in the field who recognize their quality merchandise. That being said, even high-end dealers make mistakes.  Make sure the dealer will refund your purchase if it is not what they claim it to be and do your homework.

Good luck and enjoy the show!

The Baltimore Summer Antique Show at the Baltimore Convention Center is the area’s largest antique show.  In recent years, the show has grown to over 500 dealers.  Despite the many high priced items, there is often something for everyone -with items ranging from reasonable to extravagant.  Dealers come from all over, but you’ll find many locals here too.

The only act of shopping that could truly be considered environmentally friendly is buying merchandise that already exists, such as antiques, vintage fashion and used and traded goods. Buying from your local antique dealer not only protects the environment, but it also supports small business and creates jobs.  For more information about the Baltimore Summer Antiques Show, CLICK HERE.