More than 100 vendors to offer wares at show

The show offers antiques, crafts, food and a nice day in the park.

By D.a. Wilkinson

SALEM — The Salem Kiwanis Club will have its 45th annual antique and craft show Saturday in Centennial Park.

The first show was in 1964. Lyndon Johnson was the president of the United States. Bell-bottomed pants, bean-bag chairs and lava lamps that were coming into vogue then could show up as merchandise Saturday.

The sale is the club’s big fundraiser for its many programs.

Roger Hack, the president of the club, said, “We hope to have 105 to 110 vendors this year.”

The event for many years was limited to antiques, but several years ago, some quality crafters were added to the mix.

Close to 76 vendors have already signed up.

Hack said some vendors wait until just before the event to sign up in order to see what the weather will bring.

The forecast now calls for mostly sunny weather with a temperature of 76 degrees. The sale has had very few washouts over the year, he said.

For newcomers, the park, created for Salem’s 100th anniversary, is full of large, old trees that provide plenty of shade.

Hack said the sale is drawing people from Pittsburgh and Cleveland.

Wendy Saltman, who works with Hack, said recently that he had some 22 phone messages at that point about the upcoming show.

The Salem Area of Commerce also gets calls, according to Audrey Null, the chamber’s executive director.

The calls, mostly for directions, were all from out of town.

“It’s a big draw,” she said.

Attendance figures aren’t clear since there are no admission and no gates. People just park and start looking.

The dealers who are buying from the vendors in the show are there when the show opens, Hack said. They’re gone by 11:30 a.m.

Visitors should note that the time has been changed this year. The event begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m.

The show also has food concessions, which give people more reason to stick around.

Potential dealers can call (330) 332-7748 for information. They will reach a voice mail service, but the call will be returned.

Kiwanis uses the proceeds to support the local Key Club at Salem High School, provide the Punt, Pass & Kick competition in September, conduct a car-seat safety check in May, and numerous other activities to especially help young people.

wilkinson@vindy.com