York Emerging as Premiere Americana Show

posted Sept. 7,2010
Bettianne Sweeney

The York Antiques Show managed by Melvin (Butch) Arion has become one of the important stops on the trail of followers of Americana, Country and Folk Art. There are other dealers there as well rounding out the market for rugs, ceramics and jewelry.

The presence of dealers, Raccoon Creek, James Kilvington and Kelly Kinzle point out just how important this show is in the scheme of things. Aso the proximity to Baltimore, Philadelpia and Washington make it a destination that is pretty easy to reach.

I was there on Saturday, but I heard there were some high end sales of furniture on Friday. Well known dealer Sumpter Priddy was there to shop the show. Dealers whom I know and spoke with seemed satisfied with the crowds and sales. The Baltimore show being on the same weekend could have helped this venue since you could easily attend both shows. Some of the dealers felt otherwise.

I actually didn’t buy anything this time although I easily could have done so. There was some great stuff there. I like small folk art pieces, silhouettes, miniature paintings and baskets and I scruitinized them carefully. I was also there to browse and shop the many antiques shops and malls in the New Oxford area, twenty minutes away and to do some housekeeping in my booth in the Ivy Hall Antqiues group shop in Abbottstown.

I had great fun, good company and overall a very enjoyable weekend!