ANTIQUE FAIR

QADA Fair, 22-24 May 2009

Prior to 2007, the May QADA Annual Antique and Collectables Fair was traditionally held in Brisbane’s City Hall.

It was becoming increasingly apparent that we had outgrown the venue and the redevelopment of King George Square as part of the Northern Busway Project provided the impetus to seek out a larger venue. So in 2007, with mixed feelings and some apprehension, the Fair was relocated to a new venue, the Commerce Building at the RNA Showgrounds.

The building has all the features we had been lacking. The space, being larger and not limited by the circular nature of the City Hall Rotunda, allowed us to mount a larger fair, with the opportunity for additional exhibitors to expand the variety of wares on display. In fact, with the larger venue, it was possible to almost double the size of the fair. We were able to include exciting new dealers from interstate, restorers and representatives of Brisbane’s historical and collector groups.

The change in venue, greater variety of exhibitors, spectacular display, easy access and excellent  parking proved an instant success. Attendance numbers were greatly improved on 2006 and the Fair received rave reviews.

Access and parking facilities are wonderful. Parking all day costs only $6. Access is straight in, off Gregory Terrace, and there is none of the traffic congestion which has plagued us in previous years.

The opening night, with the catering freed from the restrictions imposed by City Council contracts, will again be an exciting evening with the opportunity to preview the myriad of wonderful antiques and collectables on display, complemented by live music, tasty finger food and quality wines.

Many of our dealers are already squirreling away special items to bring out at the Fair and the Fair Committee is working overtime to plan the best show possible. Take our word for it; this years Fair will be even better.

The opening night, Thursday, 21 May, runs from 6.30 pm to 9.30 pm. Admission is by prepaid invitations which will be available for purchase from QADA members early May 2009.

The fair opens from 10 am to 8 pm on Friday 22 May and Saturday 23 May, and from 10 am to 4 pm on Sunday 24 May 2009.