Antiquing
Antiques & Collectibles: Vintage and Wonderful
Consummate collectors, dedicated decorators, and hunters of
history have numerous options in central Alberta when embarking on
a day of antiques shopping.
Visitors can attend farm, household or estate auctions,
run by a number of local auction houses. Farm sales
especially, can be a lot of fun; mingling with the locals, enjoying
the countryside, eating homemade pie, excavating pioneer keepsakes
or acquiring a unique piece of Alberta history.
Another source for quality collectibles are antique shows held
at various times of the year in centres like Red Deer, Lacombe,
Innisfail or Olds. Organized and produced by local promoters,
who are often dealers themselves, these shows offer buyers access
to many dealers under one roof. Price comparing, bargain
hunting, learning about and handling diverse collectibles, and an
almost festival atmosphere, make shows a great place to have fun
and to shop.
The Red Deer area is known for the number and variety of antique
shops to be visited and enjoyed here. All are unique in their
focus: shabby chic or high end, tough or trendy, rustic or
glamourous, country or uptown style. The towns of Red Deer,
Innisfail, and Lacombe all boast antique malls, housing numerous
vendors on one site. As well, some B&B's, teashops, bird
conservation sites, or cheese production facilities give special-
interest antiques pride-of-place in their gift and retail
shops. Discover vintage in many unusual places in
Alberta.
Decorating-wise, "Early Oilfield" may not have acquired stature
as a trend yet - but gas station relics, like oilcans and
automotive advertising signs, have lots of appeal for car buffs or
show 'n' shiners. The appeal of early farm and ranch
artifacts, NWMP bits and spurs, Aboriginal art or rodeo memorabilia
is also undeniable. English china, Celtic jewellery, Scottish
tartans, Scandinavian studio glass, Oriental carving or Canadian
vintage textiles can also be discovered in urban antique shops or
at easily-found rural destinations. These are owned and
operated by knowledgeable and interesting entrepreneurs. Tap
them for advice, information, history, and great items to add to
your personal decorating or collecting "areas of passion".
Antiques rock, collecting is fun, and central Alberta is the source
for great old items to give your space a new look.