A longstanding Lexington tradition in the antiques community is coming to a close this weekend, but a new chapter is already in the works.
The Athens Schoolhouse Antiques Show, which has been held at the historic Athens Elementary School building at 6270 Athens Walnut Hill Pike for the past 18 years, will host its final event this Saturday and Sunday, May 10-11. The monthly antiques and vintage market, which has attracted collectors and enthusiasts for decades, will end due to planned renovations to the building.
An announcement posted on the Athens Schoolhouse Antiques Facebook page shared that this weekend’s show will mark the end of an era. “As renovations on the building will start soon, we will all be making changes,” the post stated.
The statement, signed by “The Rose and Kemper Family,” outlined future plans, including the launch of an online antiques shop. The family also noted that longtime vendors will be taking different paths. One group of dealers has already begun preparations to launch The Lexington Antique Show at Athens, a new event that will continue at the Athens School site in a section of the building that will not undergo renovations.
“Longtime dealer Herman and Mag Ward, who specialize in primitives, have relocated to Rags and Riches in Harrodsburg,” the Facebook post explained. “Diane Mink has space in Thoroughbred Antique Gallery in Lexington. Some of our longtime dealers are starting their own show, The Lexington Antique Show at Athens.”
Other vendors have opted to shift their businesses in different directions. Dealer Lenabell Harkins, who retired, is offering her seven booths of fine furnishings through Caswell Prewitt Auctions. Other dealers have moved to social media platforms to sell their items, including Allison’s Garden and Gathered By The Handful.
As for the Rose and Kemper family, they are transitioning to an online marketplace with Rose House Antiques at antiqueskentucky.com, which is set to launch soon. “We hope you will all continue to follow these small local businesses as we make these changes. Here’s to new beginnings!” the statement concluded.
The Athens Schoolhouse Antiques Show itself has a rich history, dating back to 1985 when it was initially held in a tobacco warehouse on Angliana Avenue before moving to the Athens School location.
This weekend’s event will be held on May 10-11 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with admission priced at $2. The Lexington Antique Show at Athens is scheduled to debut at the same location on June 14-15, with future shows to take place on the second weekend of each month.
In addition to the antiques show, the Athens Lunchroom restaurant also operates out of the building, continuing to serve the community.
