The Alameda County Fair: This fair has everything – even antiques and collectibles next to the cuddly baby animals, thrilling amusement rides and delectable food.
I was privileged to once again serve as one of a trio of judges for the Exhibits Committee. It’s an honor to experience the passion these collectors put into their entries, some of which can take a year to assemble.
About 80 showcases are replete with Disney and Star Wars memorabilia, Christmas collectibles, auto paraphernalia, Elvis keepsakes, kitchen gadgets, perfume bottles, salt and pepper shakers, milk bottles, refrigerator magnets, record albums, china and more. The goodies are housed in Building O (the structure dedicated to Minerals, Gems and Hobbies).
Monetary prizes and ribbons are awarded. The public gets to weigh in by selecting a favorite entry. The winner receives the Don Wills memorial plaque.
Remember to stop in at Building G where Alameda County history is recounted through a host of vignettes. Guest artisans also practice age-old handicrafts such as wood working, broom making, weaving and blacksmithing.
Details: The fun is in Pleasanton at the Alameda County Fair Wednesdays-Sundays through July 8. From I-680 take the Bernal Road exit and go east to Valley Ave. Hours: 11 a.m.-11 p.m., except July 4 (11 a.m.-6 p.m.). Admission: $15 adults, $10 seniors (62 +), $10 children (6-12). Military free. Parking: $10. For more information, call (925) 426-7600, or visit the website.
Trip tip: Every summer I give travel ideas for readers on the go. If you’re in Los Angeles, see the dazzling “King Tut: Treasures of the Golden Pharaoh” docked at the California Science Center.
The exhibition marks the 100th year of the discovery of the Egyptian ruler’s tomb. The show goes until January, but the museum staff expects most folks will attend over the next few months.
Experience a multimedia presentation including the IMAX movie “Mysteries of Egypt” narrated by Omar Sharif on a seven-story movie screen. There are 150 eye-popping artifacts to appreciate – 60 are outside of their homeland for the first time.
Details: California Science Center, 700 Exposition Park Dr., Los Angeles. Plan on getting tickets ($20-$35) in advance. For more info, call (323) 724-3623 or visit the website.
Let’s movie: A large selection of movie posters and film memorabilia that belonged to the late Robert Osborne is being sold in an online auction entitled “TCM Presents: A Celebration of Robert Osborne, Part II.”
Osborne – the heart and soul of TCM (Turner Classic Movies) for more than 20 years – died at 84 in March 2017. Part of his collection was sold at a spirited live auction at Bonhams auction house in New York.
The online sale is coordinated through Bonhams offices in Los Angeles. Proceeds benefit The Film Foundation and Gingold Theatrical Group.
Details: The sale ends June 28 .For more information, call (323) 850-7500, or visit the website.
A festive occasion: Antique cars, arts and crafts and live music will be a part of the annual Blossom Festival June 23. The event was originally scheduled for March 24, but it was rescheduled due to rain.
The crowd pleaser is sponsored by the city of Saratoga and produced by the Saratoga Historical Foundation. The festival will include an art show, petting zoo and children’s activities.
Lisa Newman, author of “For the Love of Apricots”, will sell and sign her new cookbook. The Girl Scouts will hand out complimentary flowers. Gourmet food trucks will be on site.
Details: The party is at the Saratoga Civic Center, 13777 Fruitvale Ave., Saratoga. Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission: free. Phone: (408)867-4311 or visit the website.
Sale in San Jose: The Preservation Action Council of San Jose is holding a garage sale June 21-23. Folks are crowing about the splendid finds snagged at the previous sale by the non-profit group.
Donations for sale include an 8-foot El Toro sail boat, sheet music, vintage end tables, lamps, linens, chrome post cards, local history and architectural books, Hall ceramics, radios, gas masks, an old English camping stove, an early Dictaphone and a ladies roll top desk.
Details: The sale takes place June 21-22, 8 a.m.-dark, and on June 23, 8 a.m.-noon at 260 S.13th St. (cross street E. San Carlos), San Jose. Phone: (408) 515-0417.
Updates: It was great seeing so many East Bay readers at the Downtown Pleasanton Antiques & Collectibles Faire on May 27. A variety of treasures came in for evaluations, including several lamps, toys, china, glass and a vintage German pipe.
And there is good news to be shared: Old Towne Antiques Mall in Pleasanton is in operation. Some folks believed the store had closed, but it only changed locations. It is now in the rear of the building. There are fewer vendors, but selection is wide and staff helpful. And in case you are wondering, there is still popcorn for store guests served free of charge.
Details: 3440 Stanley Blvd., Suite K, (corner California Ave.), Pleasanton,. Open daily 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (92) 484-2446,
