Antique Show and Flea Market July 3rd to July 5th in Bracebridge

  The 20^th annual Bracebridge Antique Show and Sale is taking place at the Memorial Arena in Bracebridge from Thursday, July 3rd to Saturday, July 5th.

  Featuring everything from Canadiana and furniture to lamps and silver to pressed glass and quilts from 40 antique dealers, it is considered one of the top shows in the region, according to show organizer Marg Chapman.

  “It’s well attended,” says Ms. Chapman, “with selected dealers, some local, with most from all over Ontario, and some from Quebec. Some of the dealers have been attending since the show started 20 years ago.”

  Each year the show includes a charitable draw in support of a local charity or organization. Ms. Chapman explains that she buys a quilt or painting or other item and donates it for the draw. The charitable organization then sells tickets for the draw to raise needed funds.

  “The show was originally started to help support the Woodchester Villa,” says Ms. Chapman, “but after a few years they started receiving grant money, so I started working with other local organizations. In past years it has been the Children’s Aid Society, and the Boy Scouts, and last year it was the Blades Ice Skating Club.”

  This year she has a number of items for the draw to raise money for the South Muskoka Memorial Hospital Foundation. “There is a painting of Long Lake near Bala, a wool patchwork throw, a number of china pieces, an antique mason jar lamp, a granite Inukshuk, and a copy of Lieutenant-Governor James Bartleman’s book, ‘Out of Muskoka’, which I am hoping to get signed,” Marg explains.

  The show opens Thursday, July 3 from 2pm to 8pm, and is open Friday, July 4 from 11am to 8pm, and Saturday July 5 from 10 and to 5pm. General admission is $4.00, seniors are $3.00 and children under 12 are free, when accompanied by an adult. These prices include re-entry. For more information call the organizer at 705-764-0939.

  The same Saturday of the Antique show is also the date for the 25^th annual Bracebridge Business and Professional Women’s Flea Market. Held at Memorial park on Manitoba Street, it often attracts over 50 exhibitors, selling wares of all kinds.

  “There’s wooden crafts of all types, clothing, baking and food products, toys and dolls and lots more,” says coordinator Anne Moore.

  “It is our major fundraiser,” explains Anne, “and an event we do for the community.”

Coffee and donuts and muffins, plus hot dogs and soft drinks are also available.

  The Flea Market is open 8 am to 4pm Saturday, July 5/03. This year it will be held in conjunction with the weekly Farmer’s Market, at the same location. For more information call Anne at 705-385-3558.