BARNSTAR'S NEW LOCATION

   by Kathy Greer

  This editor has quite happy to receive a phone call from Frank Gaglio on Tuesday, April 14th just before we went to press. Calling from Philly where Barnstar was setting up for the following weekend’s show,  Frank was excited to announce he had a signed contract in hand.
   “It’s a deal,” he said. “Now you can make the announcement, Kathy. I didn’t want to have anything in the paper until I had this signed contract.”
    So along with a new location, the Monday Bedford Pickers Market will now be known as the Manchester Pickers Market Antiques Show!
  So by now you’re gnashing your teeth... What’s the new location???
  This year, Barnstar’s two outstanding shows (Pickers and Mid*Week) will be held  at a spectacular new location: the former Furniture World Building, 1300 South Porter Street, Manchester, NH! Exit 1/S. Willow St. off Rte 293/101, just opposite the Mall of New Hampshire.
   As we mentioned in our March issue, Barn Star Productions, long recognized as one of the driving forces behind Antiques Week in NH, lost their original venue after 15 years at the Quality Inn (former Wayfarer Inn) in Bedford, NH. This left a major gap in the week of events. But Barn Star promoter Frank Gaglio and assistant manager Lynn Webb did not take this news sitting down. Instead, they started a long and exhaustive search for a new facility that could present their 223 exhibitors in the best environment possible - and they found it!
    The Manchester Pickers Market Antiques Show and the Mid*Week in Manchester Show will now take up residence in the beautiful, air conditioned surroundings of a building designed to showcase traditional and modern furnishings in creatively designed vignettes that include fireplaces, built in track lighting and a vast array of floor treatments to enhance the booth displays. No outdoor big top this year!
   Frank commented, “After literally months of traveling back and forth to Manchester, NH, from my home in Rhinebeck, NY and visiting countless public spaces as well as private institutions, I heard about the Furniture World Building from the front desk manager of my former facility in Bedford. I jumped in my car and headed over to South Porter Street and there amidst the new fallen snow was the building of my dreams…and parking too! A sign on the building indicated it was for rent so I contacted the property manager in Boston to set up a lookabout. What I found inside was a pristine showcase just right for our wonderful dealers to call home, though perhaps only for one year. The property owner was contacted, a lease agreement was drawn up and we were on our way."
   Frank added, “One of the stops along the way in my search for a new show venue was Manchester Mayor Frank Guinta’s office where I met a gentleman named Jay Minkarah, with the office of Economic Development, who was very well aware of Antiques Week in New Hampshire and its benefits to the community at large. Jay’s encouragement and guidance proved most helpful in steering me through the City of Manchester’s permits and licensing procedure. Manchester, NH loves Antiques Week!” said Frank.
   But enough about the technicals and on to the fun of the shows! The Manchester Pickers Market Antiques Show on Monday, August 3rd, begins the week of quality antiques shows preceded by the Northeast Auctions Americana sale. Start Your Week With A Great Antique! remains the show slogan. Pickers Market exhibitors are encouraged to push the envelope and bring objects that will fascinate seasoned collectors and inspire new beginners in a wide range of prices affordable by most show visitors.
   “Our new location will also offer familiar show amenities,” said Frank. “Like free parking, an on-site shipper, gourmet café, free color antiques and decorating magazines and newspapers, raffles plus complimentary return visits to the show all day long! Since Barn Star also promotes the nationally acclaimed Mid*Week In Manchester Antiques Show on Wednesday, August 5th and Thursday, August 6th, take advantage of our "Smart Buy" and purchase a Two Show Discounted Ticket that gives you Early Buying Privileges at the Pickers Market and saves you $5.00 off General Admission at the Mid*Week in Manchester Antiques Show.”
   Always the promoter, Frank added, “But remember, "Pickers" is a one day show and if you see it and you love it, our dealers will do their very best to assist you in making that important decision of ownership. At our shows, you can buy with confidence as every dealer guarantees what they sell.”
    So come visit New Hampshire this August for the lakes, forests, mountains and ocean but most important the events of Antiques Week. The Furniture World Building is located at 1300 South Porter Street, Manchester, NH, exit 1/S. Willow St. off Rte 293/101, directly across the highway from the Mall of New Hampshire. For more information, hotel discounts, directions, etc. call (845) 876-0616 for a free Antiques Week in New Hampshire Calendar of Events.
   Barn Star Productions can be found online at www.barnstar.com