For the last six or seven years — they’re not sure how many — John and Gloria Mitchell have been the superintendents for the antiques area at the Chelsea Community Fair.
They say that everything that’s brought in for competition is 50 years or older and if it’s been five years since you exhibited an item, it can come back and be shown again.
Entry into the competition is free and the antiques compete for first through fourth place ribbons and prize money in more than 60 categories. Generally, about 300 items are shown each year and a family can enter up to 25 items.
John Mitchell reminds people who plan to enter paper items to bring them displayed in something protective. And, that old photos always look better when framed. The rules state that all antiques should be mounted for display whenever possible.
They say that hunting, fishing and Chelsea memorabilia are popular with exhibitors as are all kinds of signs from automobile to war and transportation varieties.
China, farm tools and bottles, plus collections of six related items are also areas that are popular with exhibitors.
There are categories for books and Bibles, clothing and depression glass, dolls and knickknacks, Teddy Bears and pottery — to name just a few.
Last year, Gloria Mitchell says, she remembers a beautiful collection of antique clocks that were shown.
Items must be brought in and entered on Sunday, Aug. 18 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and on Monday, an antique dealer arrives to judge them. (It should be noted that the barn is closed to everyone but judges and superintendents on Monday, but on Tuesday, exhibitors are encouraged to see how they did.)
Antiques are just one of the many things that makes the Chelsea Community Fair such a popular event for not only the community, but also for folks from throughout the region. And surrounding states.
“I think it’s everything at the fair,” John Mitchell says, “It’s a slice of Americana that’s gone from so many places. This community is so lucky to have it remain.”
And thrive.
The fair begins with free tractor pulls on Sunday, Aug. 18 and Monday, Aug. 19, but officially gets underway on Tuesday, Aug. 20.
For a complete list of activities, click here to begin planning your fair week.
