By W.A. Demers

LUDLOW, VT. – In the ever-changing landscape of antiques shows, yet another staple venue has given way. For 32 years, Phyllis Carlson and Tim Stevenson have gathered between 70 and 80 of their antiques dealer friends to exhibit with them at Riley Rink on the Sunday that concludes Vermont Antiques Week. Historically, it has been the largest of the five shows that comprise the event. In October of this year, however, the show formerly known as Antiques in Vermont will give way to a new show managed by former rink dealers and Okemo show managers Kris Johnson and Steve Sherhag.

Renamed the Vermont Pickers Market, the one-day show is set for Sunday, October 1, at the Okemo resort, according to Johnson. “We currently have the Okemo base lodge and will continue to look for a larger venue,” said Johnson, who added that they have room for about 35-40 dealers there.

“It was a good run and we were willing to continue, but the rink did not renew our contract,” said Stevenson of the development.

Johnson said he has been working with real estate brokers in the area to find a space more akin to what the large, purpose-built rink afforded, “but [Vermont] is not a place where there is much of a need for such facilities.

“At the end of the day, there are probably between 10 and 12 dealers who do not have a space to exhibit, as I know many are being absorbed by other shows taking place that week,” said Johnson, whose business, Tex Johnson & Son Antiques, is based in Adamstown, Penn. For information, contact him at 610-207-9505 or email info@texjohnsonantiques.com.