Camden, S.C. Finds Success with Antiques

Mike Switzer, SC Business Review, interviews Hope Cooper, executive director of the National Steeplechase Museum in Camden, S.C., one of the main charities benefiting from the Camden Antiques Fair.

September 10, 2012

Love of Antiques and Horses Draws Vendors to Camden Antiques Fair

Camden is a long way from Waynesboro, Virginia, but Bill Huestis thinks it is worth the time for the sake of antiques and horses. Huestis, who owns Mountain Thistle Antiques, is returning to the Camden Antiques Fair as a vendor.

“I participated in last year’s show because it is important to be a part of a show when it is first established. Also, my grandfather, Billy Dickerson, is a member of the Harness Racing Hall of Fame. I believe he would be happy knowing that what we are doing at this event will support steeple chasing,” said Huestis. “I’m coming back this year because Camden is beautiful, the food is fabulous, and the antique show is wonderfully diverse. There is something for everyone. It’s a treasure.”

Huestis just returned from England and is planning to bring items that will be introduced to the United States antiques market for the first. “We are bringing English barometers, corkscrews, decorative items and Black Forest carvings,” said Huestis, who has been in business for 25 years.

The fair is being held at the Rhame Arena in Camden on October 19 -20 from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. and October 21 from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Tickets are $10 and are valid for all three days. An Opening Preview Party is being held on Thursday, October 18 at 6:30 p.m. at Rhame Arena in Camden. Guests will enjoy fine wine and food from Jack Brantley of Aberdeen Catery and music by singer Joy Claussen and Greg Boatwright while perusing an exciting array of offerings from 25 of America’s best antique dealers. Tickets are $60 per person and $100 per couple. Proceeds from the Opening Preview Party and the Camden Antiques Fair benefit the National Steeplechase Museum and the Kershaw Habitat for Humanity.

“Our show offers a fantastic range of antiques and collectibles for everyone in every price range,” said Hope Cooper. “There is nothing like the quality and craftsmanship of the items that will be found at the show.”

Patricia Richardson, owner of  Camden Antiques Market, was the pioneer in establishing  the antiques district in Camden. Over the past 19 years, she has built a strong following, represents many clients, and recognizes the value of having  a booth at the show.

Camden is known as a destination for people who like to antique. The show attracts a broad range of public interest, which makes the event a success for everyone. It is a lot of fun. And, it is for a worthy cause,” said Richardson. “Even though my store is only a half mile away from the show, I participate because it is worthwhile for the 115 people I represent. I will have a diversity of antiques for sale in all price ranges at my booth.”

Visit Camden Antiques Fair Dealers for a complete listing of the 2012 dealers.

For tickets and more information about the dealers and show, visit www.camdenantiquesfair.com or call 803.243.0948.

Jack Brantley, Aberdeen Catery, to Cater Opening Preview Party

Enjoy the “personal touch” of Jack Brantley, proprietor of Aberdeen Catery, at the Opening Preview Party on Thursday, October 18 at 6:30 at Rhame Arena.

Jack Brantley has catered for President and Mrs. Clinton at the Hilton Head Island home of Governor and Mrs. John West. Also, he has catered Wednesday evenings at the Masters Golf Tournament at Augusta National for more than ten years.

Opening Preview Party Tickets
On Sale Now
$60 per person and $100 per couple
Call 803.432.6513

Joe and Brenda Sullivan to Chair Camden Antiques Fair

Camden, SC – August 13, 2012 – Organizers of the Camden Antiques Fair announce that Joe and Brenda Sullivan are Honorary Chairmen for this year’s event. They reside in Camden and spend part of the summer in Newport, Rhode Island. Joe, former CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Brenda, a passionate gardener, bring much expertise to the Fair in terms of their knowledge of antiques and are great supporters of non-profit organizations. Proceeds from the Fair benefit the National Steeplechase Museum and Habitat for Humanity in Kershaw County.

“Whether you are an avid collector looking to complete a cherished collection, a decorator looking for that perfect antique, or an enthusiast searching for the once-in-a-lifetime treasure, the Camden Antique Fair offers a fantastic and diverse range of antiques and collectibles,” said the Sullivans. “There is something for everyone in every price range.”

The “Camden Antiques Fair” will open with a Preview Party at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 18 at Rhame Arena in Camden. Enjoy fine wine and food from Jack Brantley of Aberdeen Catery and be entertained by singer Joy Claussen and her accompanist Greg Boatwright while perusing an exciting array of offerings from more than 25 of America’s best antique dealers.

Following the Opening Preview Party, the public is invited to enjoy the three-day “Camden Antiques Fair” show and sale on Friday and Saturday, October 19-20 from 10-5, and Sunday, October 21 from 11-4. From beautiful antique furnishings, paintings, sporting artifacts, rugs, clocks and architectural salvage to exquisite jewelry, silver, crystal, toys, pottery and ceramics, the Camden Antiques Fair is a haven for heirloom admirers. New opportunities for attendees include special seminars and a panel of experts to assist collectors. The event also will highlight historic Camden as a year-round antiques destination, which benefits the Camden business community and Kershaw County residents.

The name of the event, “Camden Antique Fair”, is a nod to the history of the oldest South Carolina inland city. In 1774, King George III granted a license for Camden to hold a public fair on what is now known as Fair Street. The license is believed to be the first ever issued for a public fair in what was then the British Colonies.

For more information, visit www.camdenantiquesfair.com or call the National Steeplechase Museum at 803 432 6513.