Pineapple Antiques Show celebrates its 35th year

Last year was a banner year for the Pineapple Antiques Show and Sale. The normally mid-week event was moved to the weekend for the first time in 34 years and had its highest attendance to date; it also raised nearly $20,000 for nonprofit organizations.

Since then, event Chairwoman Sally Altman and a crew of more than 200 volunteers from First United Methodist Church have been preparing for the 35th annual show, which takes place March 17 through March 19, at the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, 801 N. Tamiami Trail.

The show will feature more than 40 quality antique dealers featuring American and European antiques, Civil War memorabilia, porcelain, furniture, fine linens and many more items. The show’s pantry and market area will have homemade goods, including cakes, pie, jellies, jams and even pickled kumquats.

Local treasures can be found at the Pineapple Gallery Boutique, which features collectibles, jewelry and other items donated by church members. The United Methodist Women’s group has been assembling, organizing and pricing items since the beginning of January and has already found many interesting pieces, including lots of vintage jewelry and a baby cradle from the 1800s.

New to the show this year is crystal-and-glass repair, which will be available each day of the show.

One thing that has remained the same throughout the years is the charitable message behind the event. Each year, the proceeds are donated to nonprofit organizations, such as All Faiths Food Bank, Children First and Mothers Helping Mothers.

“Our charitable cause is what sets us apart,” says Altman. “This is not for profit. It’s about helping families in need.”

SHOW SCHEDULE

35th annual Pineapple
Antiques Show and Sale
When: Preview party will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 17; show runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, March 18 and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 19.
Where: Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, 801 N. Tamiami Trail
Tickets: $15 for preview party ($10 in advance); $6 for show ($5 with coupon or ad)
Information: Call 955-0935 or visit www.firstsrq.com

Please contact Maria Amodio at [email protected]