Is Your Heirloom Valuable?

Historical Society to Host Antiques Appraisal Fair

Members of the CCHS Spring Fundraiser Committee include, from left, Larry Headlee, Dr. Dave Smith of Freshwater Farms, Ken Wright, Rob Pollock (chair), Sally Johnson, Beth Adair and Dan Walter.

The Champaign County Historical Museum has created a new spring fundraiser, Antiques Appraisal Fair, to be held in the museum from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, April 25. Patterned after the PBS series “Antiques Roadshow,” the event will be sponsored by the locally owned and operated Freshwater Farms of Ohio. All proceeds will benefit the museum, located at 809 East Lawn Ave., Urbana.

“We hope that this new fundraising event will be a success,” stated Rob Pollock, event chair. “The funds raised will help keep our museum open to the public.”

Five experienced appraisers in locations throughout the museum will describe the history and estimated value of each item presented. They include Jacob Berner (Donnelsville) – antiques and fine art; Dan Fawcett (Cable) – collectibles; Buzz Jackson (Springfield) – military artifacts; Rob Pollock (Urbana) – mechanical music, radios, business machines and office equipment; and Greg Shipley (West Liberty) – Native American artifacts. At least one of the appraisers has appeared on the PBS TV show.

The price of admission – $20 in advance, $25 at the door – includes one appraisal and a wine and cheese “bistro” provided by Freshwater Farms so that folks can socialize during the event and tour the museum rather than simply wait in line.

Regarding the “show” component, an appraiser will be announced five times throughout the evening; he will then present a special item to those gathered in the main meeting room.

Tickets may be purchased at the museum (Mondays and Tuesdays), at local banks – First Central National, Peoples, Perpetual, Civista Bank, all county Security National Bank locations – and online.

In addition to benefiting the museum and preserving its artifacts, the event is expected to be entertaining to attendees of all ages and hopefully one that will build from year to year. This is an opportunity to have evaluated a family heirloom, an item from the attic or perhaps something found when spring cleaning.

2023 Oktoberfest Vendor Registration

$40.00 - $90.00

FEE:   Outdoor space only (10 ft. by 10 ft.) cost is $40.00. No subletting of booth space will be allowed.  Limited outdoor space with electricity (10 ft. by 10 ft.) cost $90.00. Entry fees are not refundable after August 31, 2023. There will be refunds only upon cancellation of OKTOBERFEST.  There is no rain date. Two individuals per exhibit will receive a pass.  DUE TO LIMITED SPACE, ENTRIES WILL BE PROCESSED ON A FIRST COME FIRST SERVE BASIS.

 

ELIGIBILITY:  To apply for this year’s festival, all new exhibitors and exhibitors who have new crafts will be juried by submitting a minimum of three photos of your new craft. All exhibits will be limited to high quality, handcrafted, arts and crafts.  Imported and mass-produced or factory-made items will be rejected.  Also send a SELF-ADDRESSED, STAMPED, BUSINESS SIZE ENVELOPE WITH YOUR APPLICATION AND YOUR BOOTH FEE no later than September 22, 2023. A contract with your tickets will be sent as soon as possible. A committee will determine which items will be accepted. If your exhibit is rejected your check will be returned by the Oktoberfest Committee. Artist and crafts people, in addition to exhibiting and/or retailing their work, are asked to demonstrate their craft, if at all possible.

 

FACILITIES:  Display areas are provided on the spacious lawn at the museum. Exhibitors must provide their own display equipment, tents, tables, and chairs.  Spaces supplying electricity are limited and must be approved by the committee. Exhibits can be set up prior to Sunday morning at your own risk. All exhibits must be in place and set-up by 10:00 A.M. Any vehicle remaining on the show grounds after 10:00 A.M. without permission, will be towed.  Dismantling exhibits, or bringing vehicles onto the grounds, before 4:00 P.M. without Society management approval will be considered cause for rejection at future Oktoberfests.

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2023 Oktoberfest Food Vendor Registration

$105.00

Applications are due by September 15, 2023.

Fee (non-refundable): $100.00 per 10' x 10' space (+ $5 online payment fee)

Electricity: 110 only - $50 (Limited Availability)

Commercial food truck set up begins at 7:30am on the day of the event. All exhibits must be in place and set up by 10:00am. Any vehicle remaining on the grounds after 10:00am without permission will be towed. Dismantling exhibits or bringing vehicles onto the grounds before the end of the event (4:00pm) without Society management approval will be considered cause for rejection at future OktoberFests. Contact champaigncohistory@gmail.com or (937) 653-6721 with any questions.

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