The Alameda Antiques Fair last Sunday was alive with nothing less than the swag of old-world charm and voracious energy. The fabulous flea market of 800 plus vendors, odd treasures, vintage finds, and inspired ideas is hardcore as far as flea markets go. There's a reason why there are varied fees. If you're eyeing that vintage french provincial arm chair, layer up, cough up $15.00 and eagerly stand by the gate by 6:00am. Fight through a crowd from 9:00am - 2:00 pm for a mere $5.00 because it's the perfect time for most people. You've had a good meal, didn't have to wake up too early and you're caloric intake is all set to burn on the Alameda runway.
Even better for others is the FREE 2:00pm slot - which for the curious many is just to walk the rounds without a set list in mind. But then again you can get lucky and bring home a entire box of mis-matched china for $2.00 just because the vendor doesn't want to take it back on the road anymore.
Ideally though, I think the best time to go would be from 7:30am - 9:00am. Start somewhat early, beat hoards of people, haggle for that vintage chair AND still make it to a fabulous brunch in the city. How's that to start an awesome Sunday.
6:00 AM to 7:30 am $15.00
7:30 am to 9:00 am $10.00
9:00 am to 2:00 pm $ 5.00
2:00 pm to 3:00 pm Free!
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Actually some vendors do stay, but there is the general air of being rushed because most of them start packing up past 3:00pm.
Not all vendors were happy about my camera snapping away, most of them didn't care (probably even expected it) though there were a few sensitive ones who actually stopped me mid-shutter to tell me it wasn't allowed.
Some notes and favorite images of the day.
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| Paper Flowers. Love. |
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| Takeoff! The Alameda Checklist: 1. Comfortable shoes! 2. Water 3. Sunhat 4. Cash 5. A list of what you want to find. It's overwhelming without one. You'd either end up buying random things you don't really need or end up with nothing at all. |
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| Vintage Eye-candy. |
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| Antique Butter Churner. A vintage kitchen appliance was on my list, but even if I bought it I really wouldn't have any place to put it. Just lovely to look at. |
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| Dolls! They freak me out. Which is probably the reason why I'm oddly attracted to them and the sinister glare beset on those ghostly faces. Just don't leave me in a room with them. Because they'll probably start talking. |
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| Love how these frames are hung. Artful without even trying. |
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| Randomly placed on a large tarp bin. Beautiful. Poetic. You can almost hear the vague humming of its notes. |
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| Family portrait - with bird in flight. Score. |
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| Gorgeous mirrors that could, possibly, each reflect a different reality. |
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| Just as curious as the rest of us. The Bling says it all. |
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See you July 3rd! |
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