Worland Antique Fair this weekend

WORLAND - Deb Larkins of Antiques, Etc. on Big Horn Avenue in Worland is bringing back an antique fair this weekend.

Larkins said there used to be an antique fair and since she opened her shop four years ago, people have suggested that she bring back an antique fair. She said she also was encouraged by antique dealer Jerry Belford of Nebraska.

Last year she attempted to find a date, but couldn't find one that didn't conflict with other Worland activities, or other antique shows that vendors were already committed to. This year, she picked a date, the final weekend of August and asked Belford and others to help bring in the vendors.

She initially had 13 signed up, but three had to back out due to various medical issues. There will be 10 vendors, including Larkins at the Worland Community Center Complex this Saturday and Sunday. Doors open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. There is a $3 admission fee.

Larkins said for her first time, her goal financially, is just to break even. If things go well in regard to attendance, she will consider making the Worland Antique Fair an annual event. While Larkins is organizing the fair, she said, "If it wasn't for good friends and volunteers, this probably wouldn't happen."

An antique fair, Larkins said, "does support my business, but it brings in a lot of antique dealers." She said fairs are an opportunity for dealers to network so if one gets a customer for an item that the particular dealer doesn't cover, through a fair, the dealer might know who would have such an item.

"This way I can get the customer what they want," Larkins said.

She said the fair brings people into Worland, and the vendors will be staying and eating in the community, thus it's a small boost to the economy. It also provides an event that she hopes will entice residents to stay at home for rather than go out of town.

The 10 vendors are coming from Wyoming, Nebraska, Colorado and Montana and are bringing a variety of items. Larkins herself plans to bring some furniture, some lamps and possibly vintage kitchen items. She said she got into antiques because "I like history."

One dealer handles only furniture, while another repairs and refinishes clocks.

Antique shops and fairs, Larkins said, attract a variety of customers, those interested in antiques, those shopping for a gift for someone who collects certain items, those looking for a unique gift, or looking for specific décor.