Antique hunters undeterred by rain

Antique enthusiasts hunted for treasures rain or shine at the Sisters Antique Faire last weekend. photo by Susan Springer What a difference a day made for antique enthusiasts last weekend. On Saturday, shoppers packed Village Green Park to search for treasures under a sunny sky. But Sunday's rain caused some dealers to pack up their booths early and thinned out the previous day's crowds.

"This is my favorite show all year!" said antique dealer Liz Dodge of Coos Bay, who remained enthusiastic even though her booth sat on wet grass on Sunday. Dodge said the Sisters show was fun because of "the people and the relaxed atmosphere."

She kept smiling as shoppers admired her vintage linens and her Christmas ornaments.

Sisters Antique Faire, sponsored by the Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce, is now in its fifth year. Events Coordinator Jeri Buckmann said about 100 dealers travel from Washington, Idaho, Nevada, and Montana as well as Oregon. She said many dealers return each year and they sell high-quality items.

While some dealers left the two-day show early, Buckmann said, "I'm glad most dealers stuck it out."

Buckmann added that the show has a positive impact on the local economy, rain or shine.

"A lot of people come to Sisters for the antique show," she said.

Buckmann noted this was the first time it has rained on the fair. Sunday's shoppers, some in summer shorts and some in raincoats, continued to stream into the soggy park looking at jewelry, furniture, mirrors, and Western collectibles.

"This year is better than ever!" said Bend shopper Suzy Berke.

She said it was harder to find smaller antiques in past years since people were busy "eBaying." But this year she was pleased with what she found at the show, including the exact Hiawatha print she wanted to buy.

Bob Ostrowski of Rosebud Antiques in Coeur D'Alene, Idaho, was trying the Sisters show for the first time.

He said, "the outdoor venue is so nice."

But Sunday's rain encouraged him to pack up a bit early. Ostrowski, who specializes in European decoratives, said it was a good show though he could have used another day of sales. He echoed several other dealers when he said his plastic tented booth held up well to the elements and he didn't have any damage.

"Do you get pouty and go home, or do you tough it out?" said John Thomas of Independence, Oregon.

Thomas said the best thing to do on the wet Sunday was, "to squeeze lemons and make lemonade."

He said working on a farm got him used to coping with weather changes. Sunday many dealers, including Thomas, added rain sale signs to their booths.

Curtis Whiting of Furniture Farm Antiques and his partner have been driving over from Eugene for the past five shows. Whiting says the friendly customers are what keep them coming back. "We do very well at this show, we usually sell out." However, Sunday's surprise rain caused them to close their oak furniture booth early.

Antique dealer Rick White of Salem kept plastic walls around his booth on Sunday and dried off his china and dishes. White said he'd be back.

"This is too good a show to be scared off."