Registration is under way for the Fifth Annual Southwest Kansas Antiques Appraisal Fair, set for 9 a.m. March 11 at the Finney County 4-H Building.
Hosted by the Finney County Historical Society, the all-day event operates somewhat like the “Antiques Road Show” television program, with people from Western Kansas, Eastern Colorado and the Oklahoma Panhandle bringing heirlooms, keepsakes and flea market treasures for individual evaluations by a panel of appraisers.
The appraisers include collectors, dealers and others with antiques expertise, and the greatest difference in the local event is that each item crosses the stage one by one, with the audience looking on throughout the day.
REGISTRATION
Appraisals are $15 per item, on a first-come/first-served basis, and spectator admission is free. Those who pre-register with payment by March 3 may bring three items for $36. Early Bird registration is at the Finney County Historical Museum, 403 S. Fourth in Finnup Park, with hours of 1-5 p.m. seven days weekly. The number is 620-272-3664. Registration will be available after March 3 too, at the museum; and until 2 p.m. at the door the day of the show, all at the $15 item rate.
The doors will open to the public at 8:30 a.m. the day of the event, with the show running from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., or until the last item is appraised, whichever comes first.
“Pre-registered items will get first priority, so the sooner you register the earlier your objects will cross the stage,” said Rhonda Stone, who leads the appraisal fair committee for the FCHS Board of Directors. Registrants are encouraged to bring pictures of their items to aid the appraisers; or to take their items to the museum at registration, so they can be photographed there. Glassware, tools, pottery, crocks, china, advertising items, sports memorabilia, lamps, clothing, quilts, prints, paintings, pins, brooches, furniture, rugs, toys, dolls, primitives and collectibles are welcome, along with other items. Appraisals are not offered, however, for fine jewelry or firearms.
No artifacts will be bought or sold, but the appraisers will offer a non-binding spoken estimate of value for each item, while sharing their knowledge about the history of each piece.
MEALS & COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Primary sponsors include American Warrior, Inc., the Garden City Telegram, the Finney County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Larry Johnston Auction and Steve and Rhonda Stone. Major sponsors are Coldwell Banker – The Real Estate Shoppe, Golden Plains Credit Union, Homestead Assisted Living, Keeper’s Nest, Pishny Financial Services LC, Valley State Bank and Western State Bank.
Other sponsors include John and Angelica Chappel, Garnand Funeral Home, Neil Hawley Agency – American Family Insurance, Oswalt Appraisals and Unger’s Heating and Air Conditioning. Edward Jones Financial Advisor Lora Schneider is providing prizes for the items of greatest age and value, as well as the most unique.
Flat Broke Barbecue will sell food and beverages during a short lunch break and throughout the day.
Appraisal Fair proceeds support museum events, research, artifact preservation and exhibits.
