An overwhelming response was had by both dealers and customers attending the first annual "Elegance of Fountain Hills Antique Show & Sale." Over 2000 people attended the event and had only wonderful things to say. Comments from various clients included , "We didn't know what to expect." "The quality of merchandise is just marvelous!" and "We haven't see a show like this here in Arizona in more than 20 years! We remember the Bustamante shows and missed them, we are very impressed and can't wait for the January show."

In every nook and cranny of the Fountain Hills Community Center were high quality antiques, as the show was sold out with dealers from all over the country. Dealers themselves were thrilled with the high quality format and acclaimed a success for the show as they walked the aisles meeting fellow dealers they knew from other high-quality shows they have participated in from Southern California, Colorado, Florida, Texas and New York. They were in unanimous vote for the beauty of the facility, the demographic area of the show, the quality of fellow booths enhanced by pipe and drape design, and the promotion from the Joneses.

In addition to the high quality dealers and beauty of the facility was the fact that the show included no admission or parking fees. 'I must admit we had skepticism from a portion of the dealers when I announced that it would be a "free" admission. It's just unheard of to promote a high-quality show and not charge admission." explains Wanda Jones of Arizona Antique Shows. "The dealers expect qualified buyers when attending a show of this caliber and contract in with very deep contractual rent. They feel that if admission is charged it will weed-out particular demographics and that quality attendance would be lower."

Evidently this theory was proven incorrect in the desert, as growth tends to grow outward and not upward as in other states like California where the populations are more dense and parking is limited. "Paying for parking," adds Wanda, "tends to anger Arizonians. We wanted the residents of Fountain Hills and surrounding areas to come visit our show and what better way to encourage public participation than to offer an upscale venue without cost of admission or parking, allowing our vendors to have every opportunity to make a sale. I would venture to say with a fair amount of certainty every buyer walking through our doors for this antique show was very much a 'qualified' buyer".

In a diverse populated city such as Metro Phoenix, attendees came from all areas of the valley, including Fountain Hills, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert and Central corridor of Phoenix. This in itself holds our belief people of all walks of life appreciate free admission and free parking."

The Joneses believe they have set a new trend for elevated shows in Arizona. "It's an amazing day when you can promote a brand new show in a brand new venue and have such an overwhelming positive response from both customers and dealers!" says Bob & Wanda Jones. "There wasn't one negative comment on quality, size or venue of the show. This show can only get better with even stronger attendance in the future."

Even more so, Wanda and Robert of Arizona Antique Shows is overcome with emotion and gratitude when a first time show can all but sell out one year in advance by contracts secured with deposits. There is but one booth left to be sold before next the next January 2011 show held on January 15-16. An additional show date for April of 2011 has also been secured. Wanda also adds, "What started as a first show experiment has already become tradition here in Arizona. We would like to thank all of our dealers that supported this brand new venue and took the leap of faith with us." Dealers coming in for this show drove as far as Pennsylvania and Florida to this side of the country. Many coming in from California, Oregon, Colorado, and right here in our own back yard.

And perhaps the warmest thanks goes to the community of Fountain Hills for their support of our show and especially the Town and Facility Staff. They were absolutely wonderful and supportive to work with.