Feb 19, 2004

Something old, something new at the Antique and Collectible Fair
Fair in seventh year is under new management

By Jeanne C. Lewis
Staff Writer

Photos by Jeanne C. Lewis

There’s a new vision at the Antique and Collectible Fair at Princeton Plaza Mall.
Alpha Zeta Events took over the contract for the fair last October from Nostalgia Productions with the idea of creating a family of merchants and fun for shoppers looking for that unique item.

A raffle ticket is given with a purchase from participating dealers for donated items, and balloons ripple in the breeze as coffee and donuts are served to the early morning bargain hunters.

Nada Makdissy Kinnon is the woman behind the event. The petite brunette has the expertise to pursue the new venture. Married to a U. S. diplomat, she traveled the world volunteering wherever a need existed. In Seoul, Korea she managed a bazaar for four years, raising $35,000 for a children’s playground on the military base. She moved to Almaden last summer to be near family and started Alpha Zeta Events, signed the contract for the Princeton Plaza fair and organizes promotions of special events. Kinnon also signed the contract for the new Cambrian Plaza Antique and Collectible Fair for the last Sunday of every month.

At the fair in Princeton Plaza Mall, Kennon operates GoodyGood Gifts and continues her community spirit teaming up with Code Amber and offering DNA kits for the discounted price of $6.

“I want to make this a real family of merchants”, Kennon said at her area near Mervyns with a son and daughter helping her. “I’d like have people demonstrating a hobby or talent. At Christmas we had carolers. I want to make it a fun place for people to come to.”

The vendors set up their booths between 5:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. arranging delicate glass, porcelain figures, and colorful pottery from another century and vintage linens with fine needlepoint. It is a memory -filled walk through the past.

“I live only six blocks away and like this fair”, Henrietta said, a merchant who has been showing all seven years. “My new items are hand carved wooden figures from Italy”.

Sharon Bloom of Blooming Creations in Felton is a first-time vendor, hand painting and firing brilliant-colored ceramics.

Carol from Vintage and More’s display includes kitchenware, Bakelite cutlery, chickens and art glass. She sews aprons and mitts with mint-condition flowered oil cloth.

Creativity abounds throughout the fair. The displays are artfully arranged and merchants converse about the items brought for sale. Many started out as collectors themselves; ending up selling when there was no room for new items. Others have antiques shops and enjoy the community spirit of the fair.

“I come from San Carlos to do this fair,” said Antiques Unlimited’s Gloria Taylor who was surrounded by customers. “I’ll be back and plan to do the Cambrian Fair.”

A couple from Almaden is sifting through a crisp stack of pillowcases.

“It’s my mother-in-law’s birthday and she loves fine linens,” said Cathy, continuing her hunt for the perfect item. “I always find unique gifts at the fair and I learn so much about the items. It’s a walk through history. I love coming here”.

Visit the Antique and Collectible Fair at Princeton Plaza Mall at the intersection of Blossom Hill and Kooser on the second Saturday of each month 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Alpha Zeta Events can be reached at 408-997-1775 or www.alphazetaevent.com.