Antiques, Vintage, and Collectibles Show Civic Club Cafe and Bake Sale
In this column we will highlight Garrett County, its people, places and opportunities from an “insider” perspective. The articles will appear at various times throughout the year and will be authored by Deep Creek Times Owners/Publishers Mike Tumbarello and Sarah Myers. We also welcome submissions from members of the community and visitors.
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Antiques, Vintage, and Collectibles Show
Civic Club Cafe and Bake Sale
Things certainly have come a long way in 44 years. What started as a small antique show in the B&O train station in 1973, the Civic Club’s annual Antique Show (and major fundraiser) has turned into a large event attracting close to 30 vendors. The club moved the show to the old Armory on 8th Street in Oakland many years ago. To accommodate changing taste among the younger generation, the show now has vendors that sell vintage and collectible items as well as antiques.
The show is always held over Autumn Glory weekend to take advantage of the large crowds of people in the county. “With it being the 50th Autumn Glory festival this year, we expect that there will be even more people in town to attend this show,” said Barbara Frantz, Vendor coordinator for the Civic Club. “Admission is still only $3 and good for the entire weekend. Many people will come on Friday to check out what the vendors are offering for sale and come back on Sunday to see if it is still available. You run the risk of it not being there though, so if you see something you really want, it is best to buy it right away to avoid disappointment later.”
Many of the vendors have been coming to the show for decades and they like to have the same spot each year. Barbara does her best to accommodate them, says Jean Tumbarello, Club President.
“Each day of the show, Barbara will set up coffee and cake for the vendors before the doors open and will make sure they have everything they need to conduct business. The vendors really like the personal attention she gives them.”
There are five new vendors this year and they come from four different states. They will be offering furniture, vintage clothing, jewelry, coins, tools, linens and glassware. Quilts, sports and war memorabilia and some antique firearms will also be for sale. Come find your treasure!
Another reason to visit the Armory during Autumn Glory weekend is the Civic Club Cafe. The ladies of the club spend the days before the festival making all sorts of food items to serve visitors – at very reasonable prices. The recipe for the Vegetable Beef soup is about as old as the show itself and it is known county wide as being simply delicious. A new addition to the food offerings is the chicken and dumpling soup made from a family recipe of Judi Merriman – the club’s First Vice President and cafe coordinator. Last year it sold out on Friday! Get here early this year if you want to try it!
Other food offerings include sloppy Joes, pulled pork barbecue, egg salad, pickled eggs (all homemade), deli sandwiches – even PB&J for the youngsters. “We pride ourselves on serving fresh food that is made with love and quality ingredients,” says Judi. “It takes a lot of team work to pull an event like this off. Club members volunteer time all weekend in the kitchen – even husbands and visiting family will come and help.”
In addition to the food, the cafe also offers home baked goodies – cookies, pies, cakes, buckeyes, brownies and quick breads – for sale at reasonable prices. Hot coffee is always available. The cafe is open during show hours.
The club has been selling raffle tickets all summer for a $1000 cash prize. Tickets will be available at the event all weekend and the drawing will take place at 3pm on Autumn Glory Sunday. Winner does not need to be present to win.
We do have a few spots open this year for vendors if anyone is interested in purchasing a space. Contact the Civic Club at gfwc.oakland@yahoo.com for more information.
“All of the money we raise with the Antique Show, cafe and raffle is donated back to the community through local non-profit organizations,” says President Tumbarello. “I am so proud to be part of this organization with such a long history of community service. There’s a lot of work sometimes but the ladies of the Civic Club are friends and the work becomes fun when you are among friends.”
-Jean Tumbarello, President, Civic Club of Oakland
