This is what it looks like if you arrive at the Coburg Antique Fair at 5:30am.
It’s crazy. It’s cold and dark (a hot beverage is a must just to keep your hands warm). It’s when some of the best stuff gets bought. It’s tradition. I’ll do it again next year for sure.
The Coburg Antique Fair is a one-day event I look forward to every year.
Here’s Kim, one of my favorite Coburg companions, whispering her early Christmas list into Santa’s ear. I think it probably included something about word flashcards or Halloween stuff.
One of my favorite things to do is check out the collections of like-items.
Lots of looking around. Lots of going back through booths again to see what we missed the first time.
There’s lots of layers at shows like this.
There’s layers of looking. The first layer is the initial look – a general overview for those pieces I know are likely to have a sold tag or have disappeared when we come around again. That first layer is almost always followed by a few more pass throughs to take a much closer look at the smaller items being offered in the booths. Sometimes I grab things right away, like the letter A you’ll see below. Other times I have to walk away and think about it for awhile.
There’s layers of clothing. It’s usually really cold when we begin the morning and boiling hot at mid-day when we are ready to head home.
And then there’s the literal layers of years of so much of the stuff. My head fills with thoughts of who, what, where, when, and why. Where are these from? What in the heck is this thing? Why would someone get rid of these? What could I make with this?
It’s truly one of my favorite events of the year.
Here’s a look at a couple of things that came home with us in 2010:
Katie brought this great old pink radio and a cool telephone sign I forgot to photograph.
Kim found a bunch of cool word flashcards – I loved that they included illustrations.
And here’s what came home with me:
A couple years ago I picked up an orange “Statesman” newspaper holder – this new yellow one will make it a nice pair. The rolling cart and giant letter A will go in my office (the “A” was my first purchase in the early AM and was a definitely a hooray for the day). The glass vases will be in the living room for now – supposedly they are wine jugs from France. I just really liked the shape. The other large basket will be a home for the collection of kids indoor and outdoor balls.
Looking forward to that 4:30am alarm again next year and hoping Chris will be home to come along.
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Yay! I look forward to this post every year : )
Thanks for sharing your day & goodies you found. I love the basket for the balls we need that here. Where will you put your letter “A” its so cool. Thanks to your collection of letters I just bought my first “D” half off at kohl’s. Those vases look cool too. Glad you had a great time.
Where did you find the D at Kohl’s? (What section of the store?) I may have to check my local store to look for an A.
Hi Anne,
It was in the clearance section, between the frames and the bedding in a side bin. Everything was 50% off. They also had large candle holders like the one Becky Higgins just showed a couple weeks ago for putting pumpkins on. I didn’t get any because of lack of space to put them. Good luck.
So jealous…I have been looking for some of those wine jugs!!!!!!
This is so awesome! I need to find something near me.
Very cool finds — must have been hard to choose! You always find the coolest letters! That A will be fun in Anna’s room.
That looks like something I would love to do……
May have to plan a vacation around it!!!
The rolling table has potential. Let us see how you use it when you fill it up.
LOve the treasures you found!!! We did a trip in August to Aberfoyle, another great place here in Ontario, Canada. Love that they are outdoors as well.
what great fun and great finds.
OMG – that A rocks. Love!
one day, I will plan a trip to go because I want to go more and more each year you post about this.
Great Finds!
I am so marking this on my calendar for next year! I like about 5 hours away and it seems like it’s definitly worth the drive! Thank you, Ali.
I love all of the finds, Ali!
You got me really motivated so I googled Arizona Antique Fairs and found that our state’s biggest fair is this coming November. Your tips — on getting to the fair first thing, making a general look for the first-to-go items, and then a second closer look — were really encouraging for me, as I tend to feel overwhelmed and unsure of how to go about these types of events. I’m excited to give it a try!
Thank you!
Great finds. Congrats!
that Oregonian newspaper holder sure brought back lots of memories for me. 5:30 AM . . . .you’re a die hard but that’s why you got such great things!
great finds ali! love that rolling cart + the “A”. very cool!
i love that you photographed those kitchen accessories. i remember seeing those (or a similar display) last year and wanting all of them
love the “A”!
Are you doing Becky Higgins’shots from the ground too?
I went down for the Coburg fair too! I totally missed those jugs – so true about having to go back through everything! It’s like a whole new booth sometimes. I was able to find 3 vintage games (Bingo, Clue & a Crossword game) – we’re planning on adding a game/play room so I’m going with that theme! Love the antique fair this year!
Oh that looks like a fun tradition…I need to find myself a friend who enjoys going to antique fairs…love your finds:)
Yummmmmmmmmmm….good stuff!!! Love the “A”.
I wish we had something like this in Denver. Looks like so much fun.
Fantastic finds, Ali!
I like the green-esque glass bottle – has that cool old “recycled glass” look (I LOVE recycled glass!)
Great finds. I’m French and yes I can confirm they are wine jugs.
Glad you guys had a fun day! Wish I could have been there. Just one more thing to miss about Oregon along with someone to pump your gas, no sales tax, online voting and drive-thru coffee stands on every corner! Did you miss me placing my frou-frou coffee order next to your black coffee at Dutch Bros?
That looks very fun. I love the picture of the stamps. I think it would look great hanging on the wall.
I want to go next year!
YES YES YES
Love the collections of like items . . . I’m always drawn to those! Especially the books . . . love them. Thanks for sharing your photos – it looks like a great way to start a day.
Oh darn! After you posted about this last year I had every intention of making the trip. I live in Redmond. I completely forgot! You picked up some nice loot! Now remember to send out a reminder post to all us locals in advance next time, will ya?
It was great to see you yesterday and very fun shopping. I am now hooked on this tradition.
Happy and safe travels,
Jackie
Those dice, and letterpress and old books, heck all of it looks mega cool. Which I was near enough to go!!!
. Looks like you’ve enjoyed your purchases girl!
I never knew such wonderful fairs existed! We have auctions around here, but they don’t often have the smaller neater items. I would love to find a collection of old die like that! I am picturing them glued to the corners of glass with dates, birthdates, anniversaries, etc. The wine jugs you found are glorious. What fun!
Love your very first picture taken “from the ground” – was that a cue from Becky Higgins? Love the collection pictures too.
OMGosh Ali, I saw you there – I thought it was you but didn’t want to be a dork. lol
You came home with better stuff than I did – I got a giant safety pin, 3 milk caps and an antique blow torch.
I wonder the same thing – especially old stuff – like that pink radio…somewhere in time, ages ago, someone walked into a store and bought that…maybe it sat on their kitchen counter (matching their cool pink sink?) – ha!
Have a great time on your trip. I will miss your daily inspirations. Cant’ wait to see photos when you get back.
Love this. I have searching for a picture to show you but I can’t find it. The photo of the green handle tools looks like my mom’s wall. So funny.
Alright, Dear. I think you’re right about getting there early. I got there at 8 and kept wondering all day what I missed in those pre-dawn hours. Next year. Next year I’ll do the road tripping Saturday evening and stay in Eugene overnight.
Your “A” is fab. I almost bought that Oregonian tube, but passed. You’re welcome.
I almost bought that ball bin, as well, but was afraid it wouldn’t be sturdy enough (and I wouldn’t be able to get it clean enough) for my kids. How are you going to clean it?
I’m working on my Coburg post right now. Hope to have it up this evening.
Love your big “a”, the cart, and the glass vases. Those would make really great lamps!!
LOVE that cart! What’s the date for next year? I’m coming with you!
It’s always the first Sunday after Labor Day
. COME COME COME. Liz says she wants to come too.
I love the photo of the green utensils. My sister has been an avid collector over the years. Your photo made me smile reminding me of the times we were up early combing flea markets and antique shows. This must have been a lovely day for you!
LOVE your finds! Thanks so much for sharing!
Fun idea with the newspaper holders (may have to steal that one). What do you use them for – mail, papers, extra long glue sticks?
I’m hitting the antique mall tomorrow. Hope to find cool stuff like you.
LOL at extra long glue sticks! The “statesman” one is in Chris’ office at the capital right now. This one will either join that one there or it might go in my office to hold large rolls of paper or just hang on the wall. Not sure yet.
I spotted you at the Coburg Antique Fair and wanted to say hello but you were busy talking with others. Being a huge fan of yours, it felt like a celebrity sighting!
Found lots of great stuff for scrapbooking and collaging but my all-time favorite purchase this year was the old printers tray (drawer). I cannot wait to make my Ali-inspired wall collage with it!
See you next year hopefully! This time I’ll say hello.
Some great finds!! The glass vases remind me of vases I saw in the pottery barn catalog. Very cool!
How fun! I love your finds.
We were there at 7 am. I almost nabbed that wire garbage basket (or one just like it) but got sidetracked as usual. It was a great fair this year; bigger, more booths, better prices, and really great selection. I already have my list started for next year!
I grew up in Oregon and have family in Tangent/Corvallis/Albany, but I drive from Seattle every year for this show.
Thanks Ali so happy you enjoyed the event! It was a great day…wonderful customers, fantastic antique dealers and the weather was perfect! Mark your calendar September 11, 2011…we always start at 4:00 am. Roxann
You’ve convinced me to finally venture into a local antique fair!
I love the glass vases!