Fall Antiques Shows Pushed Back in Hopes of Staying Alive
The fate of two of Fayette County’s biggest upcoming events – the county fair and the fall antiques shows – are still in limbo as the pandemic and its effects continue.
Several show organizers, vendors and landowners affiliated with the fall antiques shows in northern Fayette County (which typically brings thousands of vendors and tens of thousands of shoppers) announced last week that they plan to move the shows back several weeks to Oct. 15-Nov. 1.
But that does not mean the shows will necessarily happen.
“This gives them more time,” said Fayette County Judge Joe Weber, who said he has been involved in discussions with the show’s organizers. “But they know this, that just because they pushed it back does not mean it’s for sure going to happen.”
In the spring, as the pandemic really got going worldwide, Weber made the decision to cancel the spring shows, rather than have lots of folks from all over the world converging on Fayette County.
He said the final decision on whether or not the fall shows can proceed will again fall to him.
As far as the fair goes, Weber said he is waiting until after a scheduled planning meeting of fair officials later this month to pass any judgement.
But Weber said any decision regarding the fate of the fair would have to be a joint one between him and La Grange mayor Janet Moerbe.
The city of La Grange owns the fairgrounds property.
Antiques Decision
Here’s more from the press release relating to the rescheduling of the fall antiques shows:
The Fall 2020 antiques show has been rescheduled to Oct. 15- Nov. 1. Show organizers, vendors and landowners have been in close communication with county and city officials: the Fayette County Office of Emergency Management will monitor the ever-evolving situation closely for any future actions to be taken.
The action is aimed at positioning the event for safety and success – and potentially reducing the likelihood it will be canceled.
Local officials, including the county judge, mayors and community leaders are aware of the amount of planning and effort it takes to organize each show. In light of the spring show being cancelled, the extra attention this fall is aimed at achieving a safe environment should the event take place. All will work closely with local, regional and state public health experts to evaluate the data and the capability of local healthcare providers. With a long-standing histo
With a long-standing history, each show venue is individually owned and operated – and sets its own open and close dates in the spring and fall. In a spirit of collaboration, venues have agreed to adopt enhanced health standards for their individual shows to include mandatory masks for shoppers and dealers when social distancing cannot be achieved; shopping set up to ease the ability to remain socially distant; capacity limits according to state standards at the time; and enhanced handsanitizing facilities.
“We believe, with the support of local venues and our year-round businesses, we can create a safe and health-focused shopping atmosphere,” said Barry Bone, Town of Round Top mayor. “We appreciate the keen attention our antiques show promoters are contributing to ensure their dealers and customers are aware of the expectations for safety and to enjoy the 52nd edition of this world-famous event. In addition, the average temperature drops about 8 degrees F from the first of October to the end.”
The show itself stretches 20- plus miles, largely along State Highway 237 in Fayette County. The majority of the venues are in open-air buildings and barns and temporary tents. Venues with enclosed areas will have enhanced procedures to provide for healthy shopping and dining.
Venues (those without yearround operations) participating include (at time of release:)
The Arbors
Bader Ranch
Bar W Field
Big Red Barn & The Continental Tent
Blue Hills
The Campbell Building
Cole’s Antiques
The Compound
County Line North
DYD
Excess I & II
Granny McCormick’s Yard
Lone Star Gallery
Marburger Farm Antique Show
The Marketplace Warrenton
The Venue