Date: Fri 25-Sep-1998

Publication: Ant

Author: SHIRLE

Quick Words:

Farmington

Full Text:

Framington Antiques Weekend Sept 5 & 6

w/cuts

By Cathy Sykes

FARMINGTON, CONN. -- When arriving at the Farmington Antiques Weekend you will

receive an antiques program with the photo of a young lady. It is very easy to

mark the flow of time through the growth of this child, Abigail McInnis,

daughter of Bret, now eight years old. She is obviously the pride and joy of

her grandmother, Abby, for whom she was named. She has graced the cover for

eight of the nine years Bob and Abby McInnis have owned the show. Past

programs cover the Revival Promotions office walls.

Time changes many things. When the McInnis family bought the show from Don

Mackey it was a major hunting ground for New Yorkers, decorators and advanced

collectors. The 1980s money flowed and business boomed.

The McInnises have owned the show now for almost as long as Don Mackey did,

ten years. During that period they have added extensive television and radio

advertising support, and changed the mix of dealers and consumers.

The show now draws far more retail consumers and weekend decorators verses the

avid collector who would not dare skip Farmington for fear of missing a find

in his field is still visible.

Blue sky and loads of sunshine brought out hordes of people. Taking over many

of the administration tasks for his father is Bret McInnis. He felt that,

"Although this was not a record breaker, it was certainly one of the best ever

crowds." Bob has quite comfortably been relegated to the field where he

inspects booths and treasure hunts for the fun part.

Although this year's largely robust economy should translate into greater

consumer spending, the volatile stock market may have dampened sales at the

September 5 to 6 show. Antiques dealers are among the first to feel shocks in

the economy, as consumers postpone discretionary purchases. Even if the

checkbook balance doesn't falter, the psychological effects of stock market

fluctuation dramatically impacts the antiques business.

Bob and Abby McInnis boast "one of the lowest exhibitor turnover rates of any

antiques show in the business." However, over the years, new faces have

replaced old timers. Many of the American dealers have been lured away by

other, more clearly defined markets. Decorative arts and textile dealers are

in turn seduced by sophisticated Big Apple presentations. Dealers like Kate

Alex of Warner, N.H., and Dr Ken Kohn of Elkins Park, Penn. say buying is as

important as selling at Farmington.

Farmington marches, but to a different drummer. It's still 600 exhibitors.

It's still the McInnis family. It's still hordes of people. The tune has

changed, but it's still a great song.