Kay Baker, who has come to seem as central to the show as the church it is held in, was back in booth number one for what might be close to her 40th year. Kay Baker’s Antiques, Amherst, Mass.

Review & Onsite Photos by Carly Timpson

MANCHESTER, CONN. — Despite it being a workday, Second Congregational Church’s halls were full on midday on Friday, March 13, when the Manchester Antique & Collectibles Show hosted the first day of its 63rd edition. Better yet, show chair Alan Lamson told us there was a line outside in wait when he arrived at 7:30 am despite the show’s doors not opening until 11. All the positive signs were there that this year’s show, which was also open on Saturday the 14th, was sure to be a good one. Lamson said that, for the first time in a long time, the show had a waiting list of dealers hoping to get a spot. “There are eight new vendors this year, which is nice to see,” he added. “And, of course, it is nice that we have some established dealers who have developed a following that come to the show.”

Running almost annually since 1962, with the exception being the year at the height of the Covid pandemic, the show has earned its reputation as a valued and highly anticipated tradition in Manchester. While the show mostly hosts local Connecticut dealers, those who travel from further away also sing praises of the friendly community element they have come to expect at this show.

Longtime exhibitor Renee Rakiewicz, perhaps said it best: “I’ve been doing this show for 20 years now, in the same spot. It’s a really great church community that comes together to organize the show and all the shoppers are so friendly.” Rakiewicz sells jewelry and other fashionable accessories, though those who know her from the show circuit know that her assemblages are what she really loves — especially the ones with mermaids. Formed with meticulously placed pieces from antique and vintage jewelry, such as pins, pendants, bracelets and necklaces, Rakiewicz creates dazzling floral art and sculptural works. She had a few mermaid examples on a shelf and several framed flower baskets hanging on the wall above her jewelry cases. Like many dealers, Rakiewicz has a slower winter season and noted, “Every year, this is a good kick off before all the more chaotic summer shows.”

Renee Rakiewicz assembled this vibrant basket of flowers entirely out of antique and vintage jewelry. Willington, Conn.

Many dealers, like Rakiewicz, consider this show the official start of spring. Nancy Mayer of Vintage Lady Linens, Milford, Conn., dressed her booth for the occasion. Her booth was filled with vintage linens, of course, but she supplemented the offerings with assorted smalls, such as floral-decorated porcelains, Easter accessories, flower frogs and postcards. When asked about her sales, identified “a big quilt, my favorite piece went out early.” Her other transactions included “a big German papier-mâché candy bunny and Easter postcards — people are already thinking about decorating!”

On Friday afternoon, Edie Merritt, who is based in Needham, Mass., reported, “there’s been a really steady crowd all day, and they’re buying! Actually, they’re mostly buying the expensive stuff, which is nice for me. It’s just a really good show overall. I have been doing it three years now and this is already the best — and there’s still tomorrow to come!” While many of her strongest pieces had already been claimed by new owners, she still had some great fashion articles, jewelry, pillows, stuffed animals, glassware and various smalls.

Dealers like Mike and Beth Ringo, owners of Silk City Antiques & Décor who have been doing this show for nearly 15 years, were pleased to have reason to refresh their booths for day two. As it is, gaps mean sales, and sales mean less to haul back out! The duo used to own a brick-and-mortar shop on Main Street in Manchester but retired from that endeavor last spring; now they are focus their energy on shows, flea markets, auctions and estate sales. While in their booth, we spoke with Deborah, no last name given, who was helping the Ringos out, and she shared that there were “Really great vibes here at this show. Especially this year. People are so friendly!”

Truly an eclectic mix, you could find watches, doorstops, sewing machines, figurines, pens and street signs all on one table from Silk City Antiques. Manchester, Conn.

First-time vendor The Eclectic Light brought “mostly maps and globes for this show, but I generally specialize in Asian items: porcelains, fabrics, etc. Here I have vintage globes, maps, doorstops and trains to keep it varied.” He went on, “It’s my first time setting up here and I like that it feels very laid back, very relaxed. There’s really nice people and you can tell it’s a friendly community — I mean, we’re set up in the food pantry! It’s been good and I am encouraged to do it again.”

Others who were encouraged by their results were Joyce and Gary Seaman. They reported, “It’s been a great show so far. The current market for sterling silver has greatly pushed us well past where we imagined we’d be.” While many of their silver items had been picked over early on, they still had a great selection for later arrivals to choose from, including cloth dolls, vintage pull toys, decorative objects, art and more.

Vaughn Antiques, based in Stafford Springs, Conn., set up in one of the church’s classrooms and decorated it with a full country hearth. They had a vast assortment of wooden bowls and baskets, pewter, stoneware, lanterns, chairs and tables. Even more still could be found just across the hall where they claimed another small room to sell smaller, less thematic objects. When we stopped by Friday afternoon, Eileen Vaughn noted that people were mostly buying small things.

James Dwire of Two J’s said his focus is on Fenton, which made up the almost all seen in this photo, though his booth had other American glass examples. Bolton, Conn.

“There’s been a steady crowd of people here buying and most haven’t even gotten off work yet!” shared the pleased dealer from Old Blue Hills Antiques, Durham, Conn. “We have a good mix. There’s really something for everyone, and people seem to be picking, choosing and buying, so I’m happy!”

James Dwire of Two J’s, an American glass specialist who has been doing this show on-and-off for the last 15 or so years, had similar thoughts, considering the foot traffic on day one. “There’s been a really great crowd. When I arrived at 9:30 there were already people waiting outside. Maybe only three or four, but still! For a Friday — and a cold one at that — it’s great!”

The date of the 2027 Manchester Antique and Collectibles Show has not yet been announced. For information, www.facebook.com/385northmain or 860-649-2863.