BYGONE DAYS BROUGHT BACK IN ANTIQUES AND COLLECTIBLES AT 2007 KUTZTOWN FESTIVAL

More Information: Dave Fooks, 610-683-1537
e-mail fooks@kutztown.edu

Antiques and collectibles provide visitors to the Kutztown Festival with another glimpse into the past - complementing the colorful Pennsylvania German history, traditions and culture which are at the heart of the Festival.

Imagine coming across an old pocket time piece, a bonnet, a medicinal bottle, or a farm tool that dates back to 19 th century rural Pennsylvania, or finding a textbook that was passed down year after year and from pupil to pupil in a one-room school house. These and many more rare and distinctive items from bygone days are often found among the articles offered for sale in the Festival's popular antiques building.

“Because a large portion of the antiques and collectibles available for sale at the Festival come from southeastern Pennsylvania , there is always a good chance that they have their origin many years ago in the households of Pennsylvania German families. In addition to these articles, visitors can also expect to discover antique items representing other areas of interest,” according to Festival Executive Director Dave Fooks.

Exploring the variety of objects in the antiques building is part of the fun at the Festival since there is always something different and appealing to uncover. At any one time dealers may offer tools, lanterns, buckets, toys, books, glass, sterling, furniture, framed goods, among many other items.

Also, the dozen antiques and collectibles dealers at the Festival provide expert descriptive, historical, and background information about their articles to help visitors make informed decisions prior to making purchases. Almost always, there are interesting stories related to these distinctive items.

Most of the antiques and collectibles can be transported easily by visitors who come to the Festival in their cars or in buses. Dealers are happy to hold purchases for visitors for pick-up until they depart from the fairgrounds.

Now in its 58th year, the Kutztown Festival features a wide variety of good family fun. In addition to antiques and collectibles, there is lots of Pennsylvania Dutch food, numerous folk life presentations; nearly 2,500 locally hand-made quilts on display and for sale; Pennsylvania German and early American folk art and crafts, 6 stages of entertainment, music, and dancing, and a wide range of children's activities.

Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Admission for adults is $12, seniors $11. Children 12 and under are admitted free. There is ample free parking and free shuttle service is offered from the Festival parking areas to the fairgrounds. For a free brochure, please call 1-888-674-6136 or 610-683-1597. Visit the Festival website at http://www.kutztownfestival.com