MAY 8, 2010 (Saturday) 10 AM - 5 PM
on the lawn at the Victorian Lounsbury House (Community Center), 316 Main Street (Rte. 35), RIDGEFIELD, CT 06877

Great dealers, New enthusiasm, New Management! Details to be announced

48 TH RIDGEFIELD ANTIQUES MARKET

NEW MANAGEMENT-NEW DATE

Ridgefield, CT… The oldest antiques show in Connecticut is now under the management of Cord Shows LTD. The Ridgefield Antiques Market was started 48 years ago by Russell Carrell and Ed Palko on the grounds of the Lounsbury Mansion, an historical Victorian home at 316 Main Street (Route 35). Phineas Lounsbury, original owner, was a former Governor of the State of Connecticut. In 1953 the town acquired the property from the Lounsbury heirs and it is now operated by a not-for-profit group whose purpose is to provide cultural and philanthropic activities for the benefit of the town while maintaining the historical integrity of the property.

Di Masters, Executive Director and John Olson, President of The Community Center/Lounsbury House held a meeting with Vivien Cord and Ed McClure last week. When first asked to assume the responsibility of this show and before making any commitment, dealers were polled via email for their opinions. The first date suggested was in July and many dealers felt it was too close to Brimfield. When the Community Center became available (due to a wedding cancellation), on Saturday, May 8 th , the dealers responded with a resounding “go for it!” Cord and McClure listened to suggestions for changes and improvements from dealers with a long history with the event. All who responded were most eager to see the Ridgefield Antiques Market return to its former popularity. Many dealers who enjoyed participating in the show for years but had stopped for one reason or another were excited to return. Vivien Cord notes that, “the day before Mother's Day is historically a busy shopping day and Ridgefield is, by far, one of the nicest and most charming destination towns in New York and Connecticut.” Formerly held on the first Saturday of June, that date being just days after the Lasdon Memorial Day Antiques Fair in Katonah, NY, was not acceptable for many obvious reasons.

Some of the things that are expected to improve the dealers' and customers' experience include better attention to merchandise. Cord Shows Ltd. attributes it's success to its dealers who believe in the quality and authenticity of their merchandise. New merchandise and reproductions will not be welcome. Customers can expect to find quality in all price ranges of antiques and vintage collectibles both functional and fun. There will not be “early buying” this year which will remove the tension at set up time as expressed in numerous emails. Show hours will be from 10 am – 5 pm. Dealers needing extra time will be allowed to set up Friday afternoon and permitted to sleep in their vehicles on the premises to secure their merchandise. The hardtop parking area (reportedly uncomfortable when hot) will be tented for a limited number of dealers. Booths will be assigned on a first come basis rather than reserved. As with all outdoor Cord Shows, “Rain Insurance” will be offered. Admission will remain at $7 per person and will benefit the Community Center in its entirety. As the show is on a Saturday, parking is plentiful for the public behind two Churches across the street as well as directly adjacent to the property where there is a two-hour limit. At this time dealers already familiar to Cord Shows and in good stead may send a $50 deposit to be held until March to guarantee a space. Cord Shows is already holding many deposits and space will be limited to the first 100 dealers. Checks made out to Cord Shows Ltd. and earmarked for the Ridgefield Show may be sent to Cord Shows Ltd. at 4 Whippoorwill Lane, Armonk, NY. The contract for this show will be posted shortly at CordShows.com or please call 914-273-4667 (email, CordShows@aol.com).

This is the 40 th year in the business for Cord Shows and it appears that Cord and McClure won't be slowing down any time soon. Their events tend to be concentrated in Northern Westchester County, NY along the Route 35 East/West corridor. The central location is easily reached from CT, NY and NJ using Route 684 exit 6, the Saw Mill River Parkway, Taconic and even the Merritt Parkway. With five shows along a 20 mile stretch of Route 35, Cord and McClure jokingly suggest that the route be renamed “The Cord Corridor, Your Tie to Quality!”