Vintage Hot Spot – Art in Advertising – Indy Antique Advertising Show

If you are in the Indianapolis area be sure to visit the Indianapolis Antique Advertising Show held in March and September.  Dealers from Germany, Florida, California, Washington, Maine, Ohio and everywhere in between set up their finest pieces of vintage advertising at this wonderful show. 

(click on photos to enlarge)

 
Held in the Champions Pavilion at the Indiana State Fairgrounds (1202 E. 38th St., Indianapolis), it’s easy to maneuver, well lit and there is plenty of parking.  Saturday hours are 10-5 and Sunday hours are 10-3.  A vintage Toy Show is held in conjunction with the Advertising Show on Sunday with hours of 8-10 for early buyers and 10-3 for regular buyers.  One will find 86 tables filled with delightful toys from bygone eras.  Admission is $7 and children 12 and under are admitted free.\

 

Sandra and Doug Moore and Sharron and Vern Atkins of A&M Promotions bought the show from the previous owners in September 2001.  It has been in existence for 38 years and has quite the following.  While the March show is usually larger with approximately 95 dealers, you will still find approximately 80 dealers at the September show. 

 
Sandra has been an antiques dealer for over 20 years, specializing in Bakelite, Ohio Art, Scotty collectibles and vintage travel souvenirs.  She states that this show is one of the largest advertising shows in the country and offers premium merchandise only, guaranteeing the customer that they will find top notch items.  Dealers are asked by invitation only.  It is here that you will find many one of a kind, unique and often museum quality pieces including country store items, signs, gas station and soda fountain collectibles, display cabinets and paper ephemera.  It is stipulated that dealers cannot offer items newer than the 1960s. 



While visiting the Advertising Show, be sure to sign up for their mailing list.  Information about the Antique Advertising Association of America which holds annual conventions is also available.  If you need a break, concessions can be found on site.  Porters and carts are also offered for larger purchases. 



Mark your calendars now for the next show to be held March 21-22, 2009.  More information can be found at www.indyadshow.com. 

Elizabeth Young
is a wife and cat mom who spends many an hour hunting for vintage
goodies at her favorite  thrift stores, antique shops and monthly flea
markets!  A collector of vintage toys, holiday decor and general store
items, many of the found treasures end up on display in her Victorian
home.  She also looks for vintage ephemera, fun supplies and kitschy
decor for her Etsy shop Grandmother’s Attic !  When not doing this, she works two part time jobs, wearing different hats at each!