As seen in " Antique West" February 2005

PHOENIX - For the first time ever, show goers to the Phoenix Fairgrounds Antique Market on Feb. 12-13 will not be charged an admission fee. According to its show promoters, Wanda and Bob Jones, the state charges $6 to park during the show. The cost of admission to the shows will now be included in that $6 fee, rather than as a separate one. "We have never offered a free admission before," said Wanda Jones. "This is very new and we feel very innovative. Our customers have been very gracious to us and supported the growth of our shows as we first bought them. We would like to now show our support of them and appreciation. Admission will be free in recognition of the thousands of loyal customers who have made our show series a resounding success."
Held at the Arizona State Fairgrounds, located at 19th Avenue and W. McDowell Road, the show's hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Feb. 12 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Feb. 13. In addition to thousands of antiques, ranging from Early American primitives, pottery, Depression glass, diamonds, gold, gemstones, costume jewelry, furniture, ephemera, eclectic, vintage toys and more, there will also be numerous displays of antiques and collectible items for customers to browse.
The Valley of the Sun Antique Dealers Association will host a verbal appraisal clinic for show goers who want to get an idea of what their antique items might be worth. Appraisals will cost $5 per item and the proceeds will benefit the Southeast Valley National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, (NAMI).
"This nation's economy has been struggling for a while," said Jones. "There are several reasons for offering this discount to our public. First, we have rebuilt the shows here and are off and running to a great start. With the economy across the country struggling and national promotions down 15 percent and more, we do not want to lose our momentum.
"Our dealer count has increased beyond our wildest dreams," continued Jones. "We want to ensure our customer-to-dealer ratio can keep the pace, offering our dealers a great opportunity to have a wonderful show when they come to Arizona."
The Jones believe charging no admission will not only increase their attendance gate at the shows, but it will also offer a bit of nostalgia for the customers at the same time.
"This show was started almost 20 years ago with free admission and parking," said Jones. "We are bringing back a bit of the nostalgia by offering free admission once again."
According to the Jones, the cost of admission will continue to be included in the parking fee at all of their Phoenix Fairgrounds Antique Markets throughout 2005.
"We feel change is always a very positive thing and as business owners, we must be able to allow ourselves the opportunity," said Jones. "With change comes energy and excitement and we have committed to keep the energy and excitement going in our shows. We have committed to offering our dealers a wonderful show with affordable rent and would also like to offer our patrons a wonderful show that is affordable in today's economy."
Contact: (602) 717-7337, www.azantiqueshow.com