It’s January in Florida.

And with January come the winter visitors.

Among these visitors, there will be people who present antiques exhibitions and sales.

These exhibitions are opportunities to see new objects and meet experts from across the country.

A quick reminder: Always call before traveling any distance to attend a show – in these COVID days, events are subject to last minute postponements and cancellations.

First of all – some shows from Allman Promotions.

Judy and Steve allman always produce a beautiful spectacle. These should be no exception:

the Venice Antiques Fair, scheduled for January 8-9 and February 19-20 at the Venice Community Center, 326 avenue S. Nokomis, Venice. Expect around 50 vendors at this show.

The Allmans also produce The Sarasota Antiques Fair, February 26-27 at the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, 801 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. There will be 50 regional and national dealers here.

Both shows were on hiatus last year, thanks to COVID-19, so there should be plenty of fresh merchandise.

“These shows are on the air and are doing pretty well,” said Judy Allman. “We had good registrations in Venice. It’s going to be a beautiful show.

Also: The Allmans canceled their Sunshine City Antique Show, initially scheduled for January 21-23 at the historic Saint Petersburg Coliseum. It is not yet known if this will be reprogrammed.

Info: visit www.allmanpromotions.com or call 315-686-5789.

The Arcadian antique fair starts at 8 a.m. on the fourth Saturday of each month. I love this street fair. You can go shopping downtown, go to lunch, shop for another hour or two, then go home. The next dates are January 22, February 26, March 26, April 23, May 28, June 25. Info: www.arcadiaflantiques.com.

Vintage market days February 11-13 at the Lee Civic Center in North Fort Myers, with vendors featuring vintage and vintage-inspired items, architectural salvage, repurposed goodies, home decor, and more. Info: www.vintagemarketdays.com.

On the east coast, the next West Palm Beach Antique Festival is set for February 4-6 (the “Spectacular”). Other shows will take place March 4-6, April 1-3, May 6-8, and June 3-5. Information on these issues is available at www.wpbaf.com or 941-697-7475.

Bill and Kay Puchstein, the promoters of the West Palm Beach show, also have shows in Stuart (January 8-9 and March 12-13) at Martin County Fairgrounds, 2616 SE Dixie Highway, and January 21-23 at Vero Beach in Indian County River Fairgrounds, 7955 58th Ave. Information on both shows is available at www.floridaantiqueshows.com or 941-697-7475.

Doll, glassware watch set

Winter is also a time for specialist collector’s exhibitions in Florida.

The first standing: The Naples doll show, set for January 15, at the New Hope Event Center.

Each year, this show attracts national merchants from across the country offering antique and collectible dolls. Nancy McCray, seen on “Antiques Roadshow“, will be on hand to offer evaluations. Ginny Grace Smith will provide repairs and stowage of the doll. Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (first buyer is 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.) on January 15. The New Hope Events Center (this is a new location for the show) is located at 7675 Davis Blvd., Naples. Admission: The advance buyer is $ 10; otherwise, adults, $ 6; free for children under 10 years old. Info: call 239-300-5023 or email [email protected]

The following week, you can come and meet me. I will have a table at The Sun Dolls Club and The Gold Coast Doll Study Club of Florida show, scheduled from 10 am to 3 pm on Saturday, Jan. 22 at St. Luke Catholic Church, 2892 S. Congress Ave., Palm Springs (just south of West Palm Beach. Vendors sell antique and collectible dolls there , bears, toys, miniatures, doll clothes and accessories and related collectibles. Admission: $ 3, free for children under 12. Info: Call Donna at 561-965-9460.

In February you can enjoy all that is glass.

The South Florida Depression Glass Club will host its 48th edition Exhibition and sale of vintage American glass and pottery February 5-6 at the Emma Lou Olson Civic Center in Pompano Beach, just north of Fort Lauderdale.

You’ll see one-of-a-kind glass and pottery pieces, as well as fillable pieces in Mom or Grandma’s set. It’s at 1801 NE Sixth St., Pompano Beach. Advance purchase is 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. on February 5. Regular show hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on February 5 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on February 4. Cost: $ 12 for advance purchase, $ 7 for general admission. Discount coupon and information are on www.sfdgc.com.

A little show label:

?? Do not bring items to sell to a show – Many promoters and dealers feel that it is not fair to come to a trade show to sell without renting space. Leave your items at home or in the car. Bring pictures of the item and ask dealers if they might be interested. They can meet you outside or after a show if they are interested in purchasing.

?? Don’t make small offers – Remember: most dealerships are there for a living. Politely ask for a discount. I often find that the dealers offer me something at a price much lower than what I was prepared to offer.

?? Prepare to learn – Most vendors generally have a wealth of knowledge that they are only too happy to share. Make the most of the experience and have fun. ??