The third annual Kempton Antique Show will be held Saturday, Oct. 22, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This quality country show will be held in the Kempton Community Recreation Center at 83 Community Center Drive in Kempton, Pa. Sponsored by the Antique Dealers Association of Berks County (ADABC), the Kempton Show will feature between 50 to 60 dealers with a wide range of quality antiques and collectibles.
Berks County has a storied reputation as being a great source of antiques for dealers, collectors and decorators from all over the country. The ADABC is a professional organization for antique dealers and has a long history in Berks County, Pa. The group originated in 1948. Its founding members were legends in the southcentral Pennsylvania antiquing community. The ADABC held its first antique show in 1952 and was charted as a non-profit in 1954. The group has always maintained a set of by-laws and set the standard for ethical behavior for those in the trade. The organization has promoted a number of antique shows in a variety of venues in the Reading area. In the past, shows were held at Goodwill Ballroom, Abe Lincoln Hotel, Reading Motor Inn, Stokesay Castle, River Edge, The Sheraton, Scottish Rite Temple and Leesport Farmer’s Market. Three years ago, in an effort to improve and update the show, the committee decided to move to the Kempton Community Center. The location was chosen to better reach the Lehigh Valley and New Jersey showgoers, as well as neighboring counties.
The small town of Kempton is located in a special part of northern Berks County in Albany Township not far from I-78. It is north of Kutztown and close to popular destinations such as Hawk Mountain, Long Trout Winery, Crystal Cave, Deitsch Eck restaurant, Yuengling Brewery, and Cabela’s, just to name a few spots.
The community center is adjacent to the WK&S steam railroad, which offers numerous special events (www.kemptontrain.com).
Kempton is also a great destination in October when the fall foliage is at its peak. For over 50 years the ADABC show had a local “Pennsylvania German” flavor. Today, this regional country remains a high quality and popular show. It is a table-top show that aims for a great variety of material. It is a country Americana show with quality holiday items, estate jewelry, textiles, painted furniture, glassware, pottery, toys, advertising, and great smalls. Items of Berks County origin are always featured.
Membership in ADABC is open to antique dealers and auctioneers living or working in Berks County as well as neighboring counties. Part of the show proceeds are donated to local historical associations and museums. This is part of the mission of the group along with offering educational opportunities for members through field trips, historic house tours, and special speaker presentations. The group is on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BerksAntiques.
For directions or more information on the show, call 610-779-0705 or email antiquedealersofberks@verizon.net.