Antique fair fundraiser may become annual event

- By Julia Wade

A recent exhibition of artifacts and relics from bygone eras and cultures has made a major contribution in funding local history.

Mangawhai Museum’s antique fair, held on October 7-8, raised thousands of dollars for the organisation thanks to a great response from the community says Mangawhai Museum board member and volunteer Grant Mitchell.

“Not only have we had good numbers coming through to see the antiques, we’ve also had some people saying they have been ‘blown away’ by the museum displays,” he says. “Due to the success, it is possible the show may become an annual event.”

Four major vendors from Northland and Auckland showcased pieces that ranged from Japanese samurai swords and armour, to delicate tea sets, pre-loved children’s toys and jewellery. Even Egyptian King Tut made an appearance in the form of a 1950’s fortune-telling arcade machine.

Over 400 people attended the two day show held in the Museum’s foyer, as well as the Pioneer Village’s Tara Road schoolhouse, with admissions, vendor tables and sales from duplicate items from the Museums own archives bringing in over $4000.

Mitchell was the initiator of the fundraiser and says it felt like a ‘natural thing to do’ given his long-time involvement in antiques, importing artifacts and gems from the mid-east for his two Auckland stores for nearly 30 years.

“We wanted to give the community something interesting to come along to,” he says. “Antiques were in keeping with both the Museum and Pioneer Village and it is possible future shows could also turn into funding for them too.”