After postponing Vintage Garage Chicago for a week due to ice, rain, wind and below freezing temps, we started the season the next Sunday, April 22nd.
This Sunday was the nicest day we've seen in Chicago so far which is crazy late. 54 degrees. That means it's 44 degrees in the Garage and concrete holds cold. Not the most comfortable for shopping.
I knew the date change would affect the gate (how many people come). April isn't a hot month for activities in Chicago so that helped. The show was the size of a solid June or July market. That's a little more than half an opener crowd.
We've had a few openers like this in the past 7 years. Hands in pockets, warmer outside than in and people colder than they expected. It takes 2 pairs of socks, good solid boots and standing on a rug. Especially if you are going to be there for 14 to 16 hours.
Others have been incredible with HUGE crowds and sales, this was a solid show but factors are always involved and each month is a surprise. It could mean for a huge May. Every category of vintage is represented for every show and we have a bonus theme each month. May is Midcentury Modern month. Think Madmen. You don't have to have anything in that category, but if you do you are saving it for this month.
It's a family affair. My 25-year-old daughter has worked for me for years. Now my 16-year old worked her first show and had a GREAT time! My husband is a huge piece of this too. We couldn't do it without him.
Some of the highlights
Did you know American love anything from France?
Vintage and antique pieces made in France? It's an easy sell. Why? Who knows. Americans dream of Paris at all times. This dealer brought hundreds and hundreds of these amazing prints of French architecture and landmarks. He drew a crowd and did well.
Close up of some of these great pieces. I know the goal was framing these for the customers.
From Paris antique prints to the King. Elvis. Fairly certain there's not a show without at least one Elvis item.
They found what they wanted and that's the best part. Makes me feel like it's worth it.
We've got great dealers/vendors (same difference). This is Carlos. He does a big vintage clothing business in Chicago and sells all around the country. He's a beardy fellow in coveralls with the most incredible fashion sense. It blows my mind. I've seen him give someone the once-over and pull an outfit together in seconds.
This adorable couple are McDuff's Hole in the Wall Vintage. They've been with us every month for 3 years now. This was little Joey's first garage! New baby or not, these two hustle.
A great pair of Adrian Pearsall Midcentury chairs.
This was a dealer flip. I love to see something upstairs (like these chairs in one booth) and an hour later, they are in a booth downstairs.
Every month is exhilarating and exhausting.
The most interesting thing all day was the woman who'd been emailing about getting some inside measurements of our 66 van. UFO photography research. Pictures from the 1960's she's trying to prove or disprove. We have no answer yet, she found she needs a few more measurements. She'll be back next month and maybe we'll find out about these photos of UFOs and if they are complex fakes or real!
That's all I've got in me for now, but working on some things to share soon. i won't be gone 5 days again anytime soon!
If you are taking a trip to Chicago and happen to be around on the 3rd Sunday, tell them you know me from Steemit and you'll be in as my guest! It'll take you into the real heart of Chicago, not the touristy part (which is still cool, don't get me wrong) :)
Melissa