Story by Abigale Racine, Culture Editor
Photo Courtesy of Grand Rapids Antique Market

The old adage goes, “You never forget your first love.”

I find there to be truth in this saying, as I remember my very first trip antiquing trip, tagging alongside with my Aunt Bonnie to Cedarburg, Wisconsin at a mere six years old.

It was a early winter afternoon and there was just a dusting of snow that lied upon the cobblestone walkways of that enchanting small winery town. I recall spending the entire afternoon searching through various shops that hosted a variety of antiques: vinyl records, vintage clothing and jewelry, kitchen appliances, Christmas decorations, you name it.

I remember feeling so safe in that afternoon where it felt as if we traveled back in time. If I close my eyes and focus intently, I insist I can still feel the glow of that special day.

Little did my aunt realize, she created a monster: I’ve been hooked on antiquing ever since.

I have since collected McCoy pottery dishes, numerous lamps and lanterns, paintings, vintage clothing, shoes, jewelry, and I expanded upon my antique Christmas decoration collection extensively.

I still have my antique glass squirrel ornament that I collected on that kick-started my devotion on that memorable day all those years ago.

I’m the type of person to insist that we stop at each and every antique shop found during a road trip- I am thrilled because the possibilities of discovery are endless.

Antiques represent previous time periods and it is absolutely fascinating to see what was valued culturally. Plus, normally the craftsmanship is unique and exquisite in these items: offering character that is different than most products manufactured today.

If you haven’t picked up on my enthusiasm already, I freaking love the art of antiquing.

Which is why I am delighted to announce that the Grand Rapids Antique Market is coming to downtown soon at the DeVos Place, the weekend of Saturday, November 21 and Sunday, November 22, to be exact.

You may ask the excellent question of “What defines something as being vintage? What defines as something being antique?”

The answer to your question is that anything 25 years or older is considered to be vintage.

Antique is a term defined as a being valuable that is collectable, and is closer to being 100 years in age or older.

The upcoming market anticipates to take over the 162,000-square-foot convention center at the DeVos Place during Friday, November 20 and Saturday, November 21. Over 150 antiquity and vintage vendors are to be present.

A complete list of vendors is available online at http://www.grandrapidsantiquesmarket.com.

Some exhibits include a wide selection of vintage furs, cameo jewelry, distillery barrels, jukebox machines, antique books, furniture, vintage clothing and more.

Tickets for the event entry are $10 for a day pass and $12 for a weekend pass. Luckily student tickets are available for $5.

Join the crowds next weekend and see what antiquities discover you.

About the Writer…

Abigale Racine is a senior studying English, with a focus in journalism. She is the Culture Editor of The Saint and does some freelance work on the side, when she isn’t soaking up the scene that is Grand Rapids.