Antiques in a Cow Pasture

Tatati tatata.... Photo/Robin Gourd

Barn Star Production's 2001 revival of the time-tested classic Antiques in a Cow Pasture makes its second appearance in the picturesque New England town of Salisbury on Saturday, September 14 at its original location on Route 44, now home to John Spencer American Antiques. This one-day outdoor event features over 100 invited dealers presenting American formal and original painted country antiques, European garden antiques, architectural elements, and rustic camp furnishings.

This year, the Barn Star management team has rethought the early buyer portion of the event, which last year followed the original concept of allowing dealers’ vehicles and early buyers on the field at the same time. The objective was to create an atmosphere of surprise and opportunity for early buyers, who were right at the vehicles as their doors opened. Though the concept worked, with many collectors finding real treasures, the process of positioning 108 dealer vehicles in their spaces consumed valuable shopping time. So this year exhibitors will be allowed on the field for set-up on Saturday from 7-9 a.m., with instructions that no antiques are to be displayed, carried or traded until early buyers take the field at 9 a.m. This new policy preserves the "surprise and opportunity" aspect of the show, which is what early buying privileges are all about, and collectors’ chances of making a great buy are assured.

The dealer roster will again present a cross-section of the most interesting antiques dealers to be found at any show this year from Ohio to Maine. The Salisbury Visiting Nurse Association will again be the beneficiary of a portion of gate proceeds, enhancing their ability to continue their much needed community services. To learn more about their services, visit their new website at <www.salisburyvna.org>.

A tented food concession will be on the field providing festive fall fare at reasonable prices, with complimentary breakfast beverages and pastries provided with early buyer admission. Patrons in need of hotel accommodations are encouraged to plan ahead and make reservations early, as there are a limited number of rooms available; call the Litchfield Hills Visitors Bureau at 860-567-4506 for area listings.

Antiques in a Cow Pasture is located at 92 Canaan Rd. (Route 44) in Salisbury, just up the road from the White Hart Inn. Early buying from 9-11 a.m. costs $20; general admission from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. is $6. Rain or shine; no pets please. For more info call Barn Star Productions at 845-876-0616, or visit <www.barnstar.com>.