Monday, March 27 thru Saturday, April 1
(As Showcased in Texas Monthly Magazine)
“Often imitated and NEVER duplicated” is the motto for The 49th Original Round Top Antiques Fair (aka the show that started it all and established in 1968). As the visitor treks the rolling hills of Round Top in the springtime to The Original Round Top Antiques Fair at the Big Red Barn Event Center and the Continental Tent, they are rewarded with an unforgettable experience—that’s what this event is all about. This incredible event/experience, held from Monday, March 27 through Saturday, April 1 has been billed as the nationwide antiques show for decades and the tradition has been retold in the Texas Monthly Magazine reminding everyone that this Texas Megashow culture is extremely popular and held regardless of the weather in a climate controlled atmosphere.
“Known also the Big Red Barn and Continental Tent (and that’s what you’ll see standing out in the fields of history) one will experience the showcase of early American Furniture and Texana as well as a notable assemblage of art, glassware, textiles, firearms, and an entire European venue featuring furnishings and accessories.” The key word is preservation and that’s what makes this venue stand out amongst the duplicates or “wannabe’s”. Hundreds of inspiring pieces have been nurtured and preserved for future generations of “antiquers”-whether new or seasoned in their shopping for that perfect piece. This is the place that buyers love visiting and answering questions for those first-timers to the show. Those first-timers become regulars and always leave in awe of the fineries in art and furniture….it’s a win-win for all.
The Original Round Top Antiques Fair is a not-to-be-missed event managed by Susan Franks. The Big Red Barn Event Center features the Big Red Barn itself (with Americana, European, and eclectic dealers), the Big Red Barn Annex (an overflow from the Big Red Barn but also reflects the newest trends towards Industrial furnishings and mid-century modern), and the Continental Tent (showing off its English and European collections). There’s a long list of amenities to this enormous show. Porters are available to carry items to the car, shippers are on site to handle large items, the buildings are air-conditioned/heated, and parking is free so that shoppers can enjoy a memorable experience while finding exactly the right treasures to enhance their homes for years to come—another win-win.
Susan Franks brings in several new dealers each year from all over the country to add to the experience with their antiques, art, and paintings from listed artists, furniture, and smalls. The Big Red Barn and Continental Tent offers a more casual yet sophisticated atmosphere for dealers with early American antiques, early accessories, collectibles and even some of the latest trends in industrial décor and is loaded with traditional antiques from across the country (even some early English furnishings). It’s not unusual for the returning dealers to bring their freshest antiques to The Big Red Barn. Expect collections of traditional country antiques, early industrial and repurposed. And a little reminder—there are no new items or reproductions–ALL are antiques and vintage.
Celebrating the 49th anniversary, The Big Red Barn Event Center with The Original Round Top Antiques Fair, as well as the Continental Tent is located five miles north of Round Top Square. The 49th Annual Spring Antiques Fair is open Monday, March 27 – Saturday April 1. VIP EARLY SHOPPING is Monday, March 27 is from 9 am – 1 pm at a nominal fee of $20.00 and the ticket is good for the entire six days. General admission shopping is Monday, March 27 from 1 pm -6 pm for $10.00 and is good for all six days. Monday, March 27 the hours run from 9 am – 6 pm with Tuesday, March 28 from 9 am – 7 pm for Late Night Shopping. Wednesday, March 29 through Friday March 31st the hours are from 9 am – 5 pm and Saturday, April 1 from 9 am – 4 pm. Call 512-237-4747 or go to www.RoundTopTexasAntiques.com for more information.