From traditional to shabby chic, a major annual sale of authentic and refurbished antiques, as well as an eclectic assortment of handcrafted items, has been a Pickerington mainstay for three decades.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Pickerington Antique and Craft Show, presented by the parent-teacher organizations of Pickerington High Schools North and Central.
The show, set for 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 1 at Pickerington High School Central, will host more than 130 vendors. For the first time, vendor space will extend into the courtyard.
“The show continues to grow, with each year being bigger than the last,” says show co-chairwoman Lisa Reade, “which is a testament to its staying power and how attractive it continues to be to its patrons. We constantly look for new vendors to keep it fresh.”
The wide array of crafts on hand includes Christmas ornaments and décor, jewelry, pottery, quilts, ornaments, fall and outdoor décor, knitted items, photography, stationery, doll clothes, soap vendors, wood and copper items, stained glass, and homemade honey.
The success of the show keeps vendors coming back for more each November. Bev Bertel has been coming back for 15 to 20 years.
“I go to 10 to 15 shows a year,” says Bertel, “but with Pickerington, you find something a little bit different, a little bit unique. It’s very well run, and the quality of the merchandise is very high.”
Linda Besser, a vendor from Pickerington, repurposes wine bottles into lights and decorations for the show. Going on her fourth year there, Besser commends the organization and diversity of the show, noting that no two vendors sell the same kind of item.
Last year, the show raised over $15,600, its highest annual sum to date, through vendor booth rentals, admissions, concessions, the bake sale and the 50/50 raffle. North and Central each received half, and both contribute $2,000 yearly to a district scholarship fund. What remains of the proceeds supports after prom, staff appreciation, a scholarship banquet, senior recognition and awards and teacher grants.
“What’s terrific is the camaraderie that exists amongst the crew that runs this from both high schools,” Reade says. “It is truly a group effort in a climate where the schools can be very competitive. We come together to work hand-in-hand to put on one of the best events in Pickerington that is looked forward to yearly and has a huge attendance.”
With 31 years of history behind the show, organizers maintain a certain amount of reverence for tradition. That reverence is evidenced by the pineapple that has served as the show’s symbol since day one. The image symbolizes hospitality and graciousness from a host, says event co-chairwoman Michelle Waterhouse.
More than 2,500 people attended last year’s show.
“The show brings a lot of visitors down the main corridor of Pickerington,” Waterhouse says. “It financially benefits the high schools, but it also benefits the city.”
Bertel advises first-time attendees to make an effort to beat the crowds, because there are most assuredly always crowds.
“Come early, because there’s always a long line,” says Bertel. “And plan to spend a long time there, because there is that much to see.”
Show coordinators encourage attendees to take advantage of the full lunch and bake sale, which features 175 bakers from both high schools.
Tickets are sold at the door and are $4 for adults, $2 for seniors and free for children 12 and under.
For more information, visit www.pickacshow.com.
Corinne Murphy is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at gbishop@cityscenemediagroup.com.
