Getting my mail lately has been an experience that has left me downright giddy. Nearly every day I am getting a postcard from a dealer announcing their dates for Warrenton. There are special pre-show auctions with no reserve and early dealer sales. Really, it is a junk hunt queen’s dream.

What is Warrenton?

I just refer to the bi-annual Texas-sized antique show as “Warrenton” because that is often where I focus most of my time. The truth (as I understand it) is that this antique weekend was traditionally held the first full weekend of October but has now stretched to start as early as two weekends prior.

The show began 35 years ago as an antique show at the Rifle Hall in Round Top sponsored by Emma Lee Turney.  Round Top is a tiny picturesque Texas town with a reported population of only 77 folks.

Eventually dealers to the dealers would set up in fields and towns adjacent to Round Top. Folks in the trade would buy to round out their booths and/or shops. Soon word got around and now the show this year will start as early as September 22 and spread from Burton to Carmine to Round Top to Shelby to Warrenton and Fayetteville.

I say this because several years ago I stood in sweaty, grimy amazement as I watched a charter bus pull up with a load of fine ladies in heels and suits. They unloaded in a cloud of Texas dust and 100 degree temperatures. Wonderful for my dealer friends but you might have guessed I don’t fit that profile. I fit the “Steals & Deals” profile thus I shop Warrenton, La Bahia, Blue Hills, and occasionally the Fayetteville Antique Show, Old Depot, Cummins Creek, and Kajan Farm.

Map Courtesy of AntiqueWeekend.com

The shows are said to attract anywhere from 15,000 to 50,000 depending on the tale teller you are talking to but because everything is spread so far, there is no way to get a solid count.

There are a number of Texas-style guest accommodations on the skirts of these towns but it is necessary to book early. Often regulars will book a year in advance. I am very fortunate to live just slightly more than an hour away from the show, so I am able to drive out daily and still make it back for after-school pickup. However, I grew up a short distance from all this hoopla so I have lots of places to stay gratis.

For each show I usually have the opportunity to introduce new folks to the fun. This has netted me a glorious gaggle of gals that I like to refer to as the Junk Posse. We are all looking for various things. However, at times the hunt can be exhilarating as several of us have similar tastes and the thrill is getting to the best piece first. This year I am adding Jamie and Paz to the Junk Posse. Last spring it was Sarah. In the fall it was Meg and Jane and Michelle. The prior spring it was Jenny. Before that Mel and Jordane.

If you are interested in learning more about Warrenton, just email me. I didn’t earn the rep of Miss Information for nothing. However, your best source on all the show dates is AntiqueWeekend.com.