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Back for the first time in two years, the new Pleasanton Antiques and Collectible Street Faire was a resounding success yesterday, both for the promoter that was here for the first time and the thousands who came downtown to enjoy antique and retro merchandise in clear skies and mild temperatures.
The bi-annual show, which has been held the past 17 years, was cancelled last October by San Diego-based Frate & Associates due to the worsening economy.
But the Pleasanton Downtown Association vowed the fair would return and it followed through with that promise. The new promoters for the spring fair were husband and wife team Jerry and Betsy Goldman of Turn Key Productions.
The pair also operate the popular Alameda Pointe Antiques and Collectibles Faire, which features more than 800 dealers who sell their merchandise the first Sunday of the month at the Alameda Point Naval Air Station.
On Main Street, an estimated 9,000 shoppers sifted through wares that included vintage, retro and antique home furnishings, clothing, furniture, jewelry, paintings and books. The show also featured free appraisals by Steve Yvaska, a noted appraiser and journalist.
At the same time, the Olde Towne Antiques Mall on Stanley Boulevard had antique vendors set up in the parking lot selling various goods. Among them were an adoption booth from Outcast Cats, a feral and humane cat program which offers adoptions of cats as well as performs neutering and spaying.
Joanne Holleman, a spokeswoman for the antique dealers at the mall, said there were a number of cats available for adoption, including some kittens that were born recently at the antique mall.
“We had a feral momma have eight kittens near a hedge right outside our store,” she said.