Bethlehem to Host Giant Antique, Collectibles Show

The original jeweled tiara presented to the very first Miss America in 1921 will be one of the featured attractions at a giant antique, art and collectibles show that will fill Lehigh University’s Rauch Fieldhouse for one weekend in April.

The 29^th Antique City Fun Fair, which bills itself as the largest and most diverse indoor show of its kind, will take place on April 13 and 14.

The show will also feature antique dolls, clothing and accessories, vintage gambling gadgetry and Prohibition-era curiosities such as the Pennsylvania Prohibition Pretzel, a pocket-sized flask once used to conceal demon rum, a flashlight with booze in the batteries and a walking stick with hooch in the handle.

Browsers and shoppers will find everything from furniture to fine art, jewelry to jukeboxes, Mickey Mouse to Mickey Mantle, dolls and trains to ships and planes.

On display will be the original Miss America crown that was awarded to Margaret Gorman, who represented the District of Columbia at the inaugural 1921 competition in Atlantic City.

In a format similar to The Antiques Road Show, a group of experts will provide descriptive appraisals on Sunday (April 14) from 1 to 4 p.m. The $5 per item fee and all Sunday ticket sales will be donated to the pediatric unit of Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital in Allentown, the 100th Anniversary of The Center for Animal Health and Welfare in Easton and the Wounded Warrior Project.

Though this is the 29^th annual show, this will be only its second year in the Lehigh Valley.

Show Producer Norman Schaut moved his show to Rauch Fieldhouse for the first time last year after 24 shows in Atlantic City and suburban Philadelphia.

“Attendance tripled last year,” Schaut said. “The Lehigh Valley is convenient to collectors in eastern Pennsylvania, New York, Delaware and Maryland. We have found a permanent home in the heart of collecting country.”  

Among the attractions will be drawings throughout the weekend for autographed copies of ‘Just Lucky I Guess,” the autobiography of legendary stage and screen actress Carol Channing, who won a Tony Award for her performance in “Hello Dolly.”

Show hours are Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission at 10 a.m. is $8; $12 including the 8 a.m. Saturday Preview.  There is no charge for children under 12 and parking is free. For information visit www.AntiqueCityShow.com.