Annual Antique Affair offers the right pieces at the right price
Orange - When everyone is looking for the best values for their money, antiques and collectables attract renewed interest because “they are the real deal,” say those who are organizing the upcoming “Antique Affair To Remember,” Saturday, Feb.14, Sunday, Feb. 15, and Monday, Feb.16 around the Historic Plaza in Old Towne Orange.
“We are seeing more people who realize that they may pay less for better quality and more interesting furnishings in stores that specialize in items that are not new,” says Sue Jackson, owner of Country Roads Antiques and Gardens at 204 W. Chapman Ave. “In fact, this economy has ignited a new love affair with antiques and collectables.”
And at this year’s 33rd “Antique Affair to Remember,” more than 500 dealers will offer some of the finest examples of antiques and collectables from every era and area of interest.
“Each merchant is proud to showcase unique items in their area of expertise,” said Daniel Jensen, an event organizer.
This year’s annual event, which is always held on President’s Day weekend, also coincides with Valentine’s Day on Saturday, Feb. 14.
“There will be many displays that showcase items associated with person, places and events related to our nation’s history,” said Koji of the Orange Circle Antique Mall, located at 118 South Glassell St., “so whether you’re interested in license plates from Illinois, the Land of Lincoln, or dinner plates from Eisenhower administration (1953-1961), you can find them here in Old Towne Orange.
And then there is the amazing variety of dining for every budget and taste. Surely Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion to treat youself and loved ones to an elegant, filling lunch or high tea at Paris In A Cup, located at 119 South Glassell St. Reservations are strongly recommended for this popular destination, voted #1 Tea Room in the Nation” by Victorian Homes Magazine.
“To get the most enjoyment and satisfaction out of this event, most people plan to attend part or all of several days,” said Mike Escobedo, publisher of the Old Towne Orange Plaza Review newspaper. “As I stroll along the Plaza throughout the weekend, I see many of the same people at different places. It’s an exciting but leisurely event that encourages visitors to take their time. There’s no pressure to buy or to hurry. It’s an event that brings merchants, visitors and residents together for a weekend that celebrates our longstanding tradition of antiquing in Old Towne Orange. And we now have a greater variety of restaurants spread throughout the Plaza so that people can take a break all along the way for a cup of coffee, a bagel, a blended fruit drink, a hearty hamburger or a homemade pastry. There’s just something for everybody!”
The event also remembers those in our community who are in a variety of difficult circumstances: visitors are encouraged to bring a purse filled with personal hygiene products to donate to the Orange YWCA’s “My Sister Joanie’s Purse Project.” Leave the purse at Country Roads Antiques & Gardens.
Now, that’s putting your heart into an affair.