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On the Road to… Michigan

On the Road to... Michigan

May in Michigan means springtime fun and sunny weather. From outdoor antiques festivals to Memorial Day celebrations, it’s a great time of year to enjoy Michigan’s many offerings  
On the Road to... Michigan
ANTIQUE SHOWS & EVENTS
Michigan Antique Festivals – Davisburg
May 2 – 3
Springfield Oaks County Park 12451 Andersonville Rd., Davisburg, MI
www.miantiquefestival.com
Michigan’s Largest Antique & Collectible Festival has been the Michigan’s premier Antique & Collectible Festival for 47 years. Held rain or shine Saturday 8am – 6pm. Sunday 9am – 4pm. Admission is $6 per person. Children ages 11 and under free. Always free parking.
Antiques on the Bluff
May 3
Lake Bluff Park 201 Lake Boulevard, Saint Joseph, MI
Antiques on the Bluff is held along tree lined Lake Bluff Park, overlooking Lake Michigan. This antique show is a premier event for St. Joseph and antiquers around Southwest Michigan! Located in Lake Bluff Park the show runs from 10am to 5pm the first Sunday of each month. Rain or shine event.
Thrifter Sisters Flea Market
May 8-10
The Fowlerville Fair Grounds Fowlerville, MI
www.thriftersistersfleamarket.com
Specializing in vintage and retro goods, as well as re-purposed, farm-style antiques, architectural savage, and more. We are a boutique style flea market with the added twist of a Pickers Patch.
Utica Antiques Market
May 9-10
11541 21 Mile Road Shelby Township, MI
www.uticaantiques.com
Looking to spend a leisurely day outside, while checking out remarkable antiques? The Utica Antiques Market provides it all- from primitives to quality furniture, jewelry, books, pottery, glassware, and so much more! Parking is FREE and admission is only $5 (per person). Saturday 8-5pm, Sunday 8-4pm.
Centreville Michigan Antique Market
May 10
St. Joseph-Grange Fairgrounds,  316 E. Charlotte, Centreville, Michigan
www.zurkopromotions.com
A fantastic variety of antiques & collectibles will be offered from dealers throughout the upper Midwest!  A great selection of advertising, country furniture, old toys, sports collectibles, estate jewelry, coins, pottery, fine porcelains, art glass, garden antiques, and a host of interesting collectibles will be available. Indoors and outdoors.
Kalamazoo Circus Maximus Toy Show
May 16
Kalamazoo County Fair Grounds 2900 Lake Street Kalamazoo, MI
www.uniqueeventsshows.com
Nearly 50,000 square feet of toys from over 200 vendors around the country to explore. This event always has some unusual and rare items for sale. Friday 4-8pm, Floor Rights $30 good for both days Saturday 9am to 2pm, Adults $6 Under 12 free.
Big Ol’ Barn Sale – Antiques & Flea Market
May 16
Midland County Fairgrounds 6905 Eastman Avenue,  Midland, MI
Indoor flea market at the Midland Fairgrounds with over 100 vendors selling vintage collectibles, flea market finds, antiques & memorabilia, unique items, toys, and junk! Y’all come to buy, sell, or trade! Free admission and parking. Low vendor space prices! For info: (989) 600-4057.
Michigan Antique Festivals – Midland
May 30-31
Midland County Fairgrounds 6905 Eastman Avenue  Midland, MI
www.miantiquefestival.com
For over 47 years the Michigan Antique Festival held in Midland, MI has been the premier shopping event in the Midwest. Featuring dealers from across the Country. Over 80 acres with up to 1000 dealers selling the finest assortment of unique antiques & collectibles. The Midland Antique Festival uses 8 barns on the grounds to house dealers and countless outside dealers selling vintage items. Offering an Early Bird shopping experience on the Friday before each show. 11am-5pm. Admission is $15 per person and the pass is good all weekend. Get a chance to shop before the big crowds come in on Saturday. Admission is $6 per person. Children 11 & under are free. Always Free Parking. No Pets Please.
Allegan Antiques Market “Michigan’s Finest Antique Show”
May 31
2030 Blueberry Drive Grand Rapids, Michigan 49504
www.alleganantiques.com
Featuring 400 quality dealers in every field of antiques and collectibles. Exhibitors carry a large variety of antiques and collectibles with many specializing in glass, pottery, china, primitives, advertising, vintage jewelry, sport & fishing, furniture, and much more. Recent trends in the home design field have made the show a hot spot for architectural, industrial, primitive, country, shabby chic, refurbished, repurposed and every kind of antique or collectible decorator item imaginable.

OTHER SHOWS & EVENTS AROUND THE STATE
Quilts, A Pallette of Colors
May 1-3
Heritage Park 3417 West Main Street,  Midland, MI
Annual quilt show featuring art to traditional quilts, bazaar table, quilting demonstrations, and for the men, demonstrations by The Max Carey Blacksmith Guild.
Victorian Days
May 2-3
220 S Bridge Street,  Grand Ledge, MI
Salute spring and the Victorian era with a Victorian Ball, maypole dance, high tea, Civil War encampment, quilt show, May baskets and period craft demonstrations.  Tulip Festival 2015 May 2-9 Holland Area Convention & Visitors Bureau 78 East Eighth Street,  Holland, MI  Celebrating over 80 years of culture, heritage, and beauty. The Tulip Time Festival is a celebration of Dutch heritage and culture. A multi-generational event that has a little bit of something for everyone including: three amazing parades, multiple Dutch dance performances, concerts, theatre, Dutch attractions, Dutch food, events for children, trolley tours, and so much more!
Farmers Antique Tractor and Engine Show
May 15
7600 Forrister Road, Adrian, MI
All makes of antique tractors on display, operating sawmill, plowing demonstrations, crafts, flea market, farm animals, tractor road ride, kiddie peddle tractor pull, and games. The grounds feature a museum and restored High Gothic Barn built in 1922. Feature tractor Massey-Harris, Massey-Ferguson, and Briggs-Stratton engines.
MUSEUMS, AUCTIONS&  SPECIAL EXHIBITIONS
Antique Toy and Firehouse Museum
3456 Patterson Road, Bay City, MI
www.toyandfiretruckmuseum.org
Located in Bay City, Michigan, the museum is home to over 60 motorized fire trucks – the largest collection of fire trucks in the world. The museum also contains more than 12,000 antique and collectible toys, many of them fire, police and rescue vehicles.
Automotive Hall of Fame
21400 Oakwood Blvd, Dearborn, MI
www.automotivehalloffame.org
Dedicated to preserving the history of mobility by celebrating the creativity, toil, and genius of the individual by honoring the men and women of the global motor vehicle and related industries.
Bottle-Cap Museum and Dawson & Stevens Classic 50s Diner
231 Michigan Ave, Grayling, MI
www.bottlecapmuseum.com
The Bottle-Cap Museum is the largest private collection of Coca-Cola related items in Northern Michigan. Over 10,000 pieces of memorabilia make up the museum, housed in an authentic classic 50’s diner.
Buchanan Museum of Fine Art
102 East Front Street, Buchanan, MI
www.facebook.com/Buchanan-Museum-of-Fine-Art  www.buchananartcenter.com

Recognized as Southwestern Michigan’s largest public art museum, the Buchanan Museum of Fine Art is focused exclusively on the conservation, preservation, and exhibition of historic works of American and European art.
Detroit Institute of Arts
5200 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI
www.dia.org
The DIA is a world-class museum with a variety of permanent and traveling exhibits, offering over 100 galleries with art from ancient to modern times.
Gerald R. Ford Library
1000 Beal Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI
www.fordlibrarymuseum.gov
Examine the original files of President Ford, his White House staff, and other government officials from the 1970s. Showtime Auctions Woodhaven, MI www.showtimeauctions.com See website for current auction information.
Tuskegee Airmen National Museum
6325 W. Jefferson Avenue,  Historic Fort Wayne Detroit, MI
www.tuskegeeairmennationalmuseum.org
View model aircraft, equipment, supplies, uniforms, photographs, and a continuous video presentation depicting participation of Blacks in aviation during World War II and their achievements following the War until the Armed Forces were integrated.
University of Michigan – Stearns Musical Collection
1100 Bates Drive, Ann Arbor, MI
www.music.umich.edu
Holding over 2,500 historical and contemporary musical instruments from all over the world, the Stearns Collection of Musical Instruments is one of the largest accumulations of such artifacts housed in a North American university.
SHOPS AROUND TOWN
Apparel From the Past
638 Shawnee Rd., Baroda, MI
269-422-1382 or 269-4221871   www.apparelfromthepast.com
Hours: Best to call for appointment shawneeantiques@aol.com
Garments from mid-1800s to mid-1900s. Emphasis on 1940s and 1950s.
Shawnee Road Antiques
638 E. Shawnee Rd., Baroda, MI
269-422-1382 or 269-4221871   www.shawneeroadantiques.com
Three buildings with items ranging from primitives, country, and as-found furniture to refinished furniture. Refer to website for hours.
Main Street Antique Mall
109 East Main St., Niles, MI
269-684-9393  www.facebook.com/MainStreetAntique/
Mon-Sat 10-5:30 Sun. 12-5:30
Come experience the past. Early wares of the 1800s thru modern times. Large and small quality antiques on two floors.
Michiana Antique Mall
2423 South 11th Street, Niles, Michigan
800-559-4694 or 269-684-7001   www.michianaantiquemall.com   michianaantiquemall@compuserve.com
Open daily 10-6, 80+ dealers.
Items for beginning and advanced collectors in wide range of categories.

Shawnee Road Antiques: Off the Beaten Path but Worth the Trip
Thank you!” According to Ted Muellen of Shawnee Road Antiques of Baroda, MI, that’s one of the most common first reactions from new customers to his store. He doesn’t even have to ask for what anymore, it’s for having actual antiques. Ted says that other dealers tell him all the time that nobody wants real antiques anymore, but he has to disagree. “I’m finding a lot of people fascinated with finding an old fashion antique shop.”
Having opened in 1969, Muellen definitely remembers what antique shops used to look like.
One trend that he finds really promising is younger customers. While the shop is definitely off the beaten path, in the last decade or two, ten wineries and microbreweries have opened within a five mile radius of them, which has brought a lot more traffic off the highway and out into the country. Consequently they’ve been seeing more people in their 20s and 30s who have never seen an antique shop like this and they really seem to enjoy it. Many of them are also surprised how affordable antiques can be, since while he likes to have more advanced unusual items, he also stocks pieces for the beginning collector.
Shawnee Road Antiques consists of three large buildings. The main building is filled with more formal antiques and some of the better country smalls. The second building is a wonderful old two story barn, the only original structure still standing from when it was a working farm. This building is full of country antiques. The third building is an assortment, one end is furniture which may or may not need some work, while the center section is dedicated to things that were made for or could be used outside or in the garden. The other end is probably one of the more unusual features. This is where you’ll find “Apparel from the Past.” Apparel from the Past is Marsha Ruby’s business devoted to women’s clothing mostly from 1900 to the 1960s. Inside a Victorian storefront building you will find literally over a thousand one-of-a-kind pieces of apparel.
In addition to the three big buildings is a small shed lined with shelves that is the half price area, and a 1960 semi-trailer painted with the original moving company’s logo on the side. People always say it reminds them of an old circus wagon. The trailer is filled with parts and pieces for do-it-yourselfers. By the way, if you spend the day going through all the buildings you may have to check out what’s behind the barn. It’s the cutest Victorian outhouse you’ve ever seen! If the front porch and decorative shingles over the door don’t convince you, look inside and check out the marble top table and crystal chandelier! For more information visit www.shawneeroadantiques.com or call 269-422-1382.
Dealers From Around the Country to Attend Michigan Antique Festival in Davisburg
Some people like to purchase home decorating items at big box stores. Others like to consult interior design professionals. And then there are those people who can’t wait to hunt for treasures at the Michigan Antique Festival.
This year’s festival, scheduled for May 2-3 in Davisburg, will include more unique antique dealers than ever – some travelling from as far away as North Carolina, Florida and New York.
“Our visitors are going to be elated by the sheer number of high quality antique dealers and amazed by the selection of one-of-a-kind items,” said Michigan Antique Festival Owner Lori Oberlin. “We are looking forward to an absolutely fabulous event.”
Visitors can expect to find an extensive selection of shabby chic home decor items, refinished antique furniture, vintage jewelry and most likely, some items they will fondly recall from their childhood.
All these items will be attractively displayed in a rustic country setting on the grounds of the beautiful Springfield Oaks County Park located in the rural community of Davisburg, MI.
There will be so much for visitors to see and do at the festival. Plan to stay for the entire day or weekend and explore the other areas of the festival grounds including:
Taste of Michigan pavilion featuring Michigan craft beer, local produce, and homemade goodies
Live chalk painting classes and demonstrations
Free appraisals
Local entertainment
Classic car show
Michigan Craft Beer & Wine Garden
The festivities begin at 8 am Saturday, May 2. The event will continue until 6 pm that day and re-open from 9 am-4 pm Sunday, May 3.
The Michigan Antique Festival will be held rain or shine. Admission is $6 and children 11 and under are admitted free. Parking is also free. For more information call (989) 687-9001 or visit www.MiAntiqueFestival.com.
Utica Antiques Market, Opens May 9-10
Looking to spend a leisurely day outside, while checking out remarkable antiques? The Utica Antiques Market provides it all- from primitives to quality furniture, jewelry to books, pottery to glassware, you should be able to find your heart’s desire as you browse the market. Located on the Knights of Columbus Grounds, on 21 Mile Road, 1 mile east of Van Dyke, the Utica Antiques Market is quick and easy to find.
The market occurs three weekends every year: May (9-10, 2015), July (11-12, 2015), and September (12-13, 2015). It is all outdoors, either under the pavilion or under 20 x 40 canopies. On average, there are 100 dealers who set up and about 20 canopies sheltering anywhere from two to six dealers.
Owners Dale and Karen Niedzwiecki point out that the Utica Antiques Market is easily the biggest outside show in southeast Michigan, and the Market hosts thousands of people attracted to the diversity of antiques for sale.
$5 admission fee with free parking. Saturday 8-5pm, and Sunday, 8-4pm.
Check out www.UticaAntiques.com or call 1-586-254-3495 to find out more.
Happy Anniversary Allegan Antique Market
The Allegan Antique Market will be celebrating its 37th anniversary at the July 26th 2015 show. The Show, located at the Allegan County Fairgrounds in Allegan, Michigan began in July of 1978. The original show promoters, Larry (a retired captain of the Grand Rapids Fire Department) and his wife Lori Wood have added their children to the staff but continue with the show as they enjoy working with the dealers and traveling to promote the show.
Many changes have taken place over the years: the show has grown from 190 exhibitors to 400, and from three shows a year to six, making it one of the largest shows in the Midwest. New buildings and picnic areas have also been added, as well as more parking and a second gate entrance.
Changes in customer taste and the swings in popularity of the different fields of antiques have been interesting to watch. Right now with the trend of decorating and refurbishing with antiques, the demand for antiques of all kinds has grown.
Antique shoppers themselves are much more knowledgeable and search for a wide variety of antiques at the show. The dealers have become more expert in their particular field in order to work with their customers.
It has been a great 37 years and our family looks forward to continuing our successful tradition of promoting a quality antique show for many more years to come.
Thrifter Sisters Flea Market, May 8-10
The Thrifter Sisters Flea Market, May 8-10 at the Fowlerville Fair Grounds, is an event specializing in vintage and retro goods, as well as re-purposed, farm-style antiques, architectural savage, and more. We are a boutique style flea market with the added twist of a Pickers Patch.
This year we are adding on a Vintage Camper showcase and Vintage Camping! Trophies for Vintage Campers as well as a Glamping Queen contest complete with crown and sash for the one who best personifies the theme will be awarded.
Another new addition is the Wedding Corner, complete with everything Vintage Wedding for the bride. Vintage wedding dresses to dŽcor and everything wedding in between. A must for the spring bride!
The Market will also feature hanging flower baskets, flats of flowers, food trucks, musical performance by the Teen Angele, and craft demos.
The Thrifter Sisters Flea Market will be held May 8-10 at the Fowlerville Fair Grounds, centrally located between Lansing and Detroit, MI off I-96 in beautiful Livingston County. Early Bird shopping will be available on Friday, May 8th from 5-6:30pm for $10. Regular pricing of $5 will be from 6:30-8pm for the rest of the evening. Saturday, May 9, hours are 8am-5pm, and Sunday, 9am-3pm with $5 admission. Children 13 and under free. Free Parking!
For more information, go to www.thriftersistersfleamarket.com or call 517-295-8174.
Kalamazoo Toy Show, May 15-16
The Kalamazoo Antique & Collectible Toy Show,” held at the Kalamazoo County Exposition Center May 15th & 16th, will feature over 50,000 square feet of toys from over 200 vendors from around the country. This show will be sure to bring out the inner “kid” in everyone!
Look for your favorite childhood toys, including but not limited to plastic models kits, Japanese pressed tin lithos, cast iron banks, steel pedal cars, Smith Miller & Tonka trucks, old robots and science fiction items, battery operated toys, cap guns, western toys, and more.
Younger collectors will find Disney, Star Trek, Star Wars, G I Joe, slot cars, movie, TV and sport memorabilia, and action figures of all kinds, as well as antique pedal cars and tractors along with spare parts.
The Kalamazoo County Exposition Center is located at 2900 Lake Street, Kalamazoo Michigan. Conveniently situated halfway between Detroit and Chicago, or Grand Rapids and South Bend, IN. This event takes place twice yearly. The fall show is always the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving. The spring event is always held on the 3rd weekend in May.
Public Hours Saturday – 9am-2pm. Admission. Adults $6.00, under 12 free. Preview admission during vendor set up $30 (Friday 4-8pm Saturday  7-9am). Additional information can be found on the show website www.uniqueeventsshows.com.
Michigan Antique Festival, May 30-31
Community groups, military charities and local organizations will be among the 1,000 antique dealers at the Midland Fairgrounds for the Michigan Antique Festival May 30-31.
“Midland and the surrounding communities are so supportive of the festival year after year,” said Michigan Antique Festival Owner Lori Oberlin. “We feel it’s important to invite community groups to share our success.”
Military veteran charities will be packing boxes for active duty personnel serving overseas. Donations of non-perishable foods, personal hygiene products and recreational items are welcome. Those who wish can also tuck in their own thank you note. The Michigan Antique Festival also helps out the Downtown Midland Cruise ‘N Car Show by sponsoring and helping organize the event for the local community. Boy Scout Troop 788 will help with parking, and local churches and 4-H participants will also hold fundraisers.
The Michigan Antique Festival is the state’s largest antique and vintage market. Antique vendors from across the United States will pack seven big barns with antiques, vintage jewelry, shabby chic items, classic signs and all types of treasures. In addition to the antiques and vintage items, the Michigan Antique Festival will also feature:
Free appraisals
A Taste of Michigan, with Michigan- based food vendors, products and businesses proudly offering their home-grown produce, agricultural products, homemade specialty foods and handcrafted items for sale
A classic car show and deejay
Michigan’s largest and longest running swap meet for hard to find automotive parts and accessories
The Michigan Antique Festival will be held rain or shine at the Midland County Fairgrounds, 6905 Eastman Avenue in Midland. Hours are 8 am-6 pm May 30 and 9 am-4 pm May 31. Admission is $6 and children 11 and under are admitted free. Parking is also free.
Early Bird buyers are welcome from 11 am-5 pm May 29 for those who would like to avoid the crowds and get a head start on their treasure hunting. Early Bird admission is $15 per person and the pass is good all weekend long.
Call (989) 687-9001 or visit www.MiAntiqueFestival.com for more information.
On the Road to… Michigan