April abloom with antique shows, sales and special events
April is full of events and sales for collectors and history lovers, from brides to railroad buffs.
April in Bloom: The Los Altos History Museum presents “April in Bloom: Floral Artistry through the Years”, April 7-20.
The opening weekend will feature an Ikebana Flower Show with Japanese floral arrangements. Katsuko Thielke and her students will give demonstrations from 11 a.m. to noon on April 7.
Beginning April 11, the museum will offer eight free programs and displays, including original artwork, children’s activities, talks and floral demonstrations by the Garden Club of Los Altos, now in its 90th year. Opening reception, 2-4 p.m.,April 14.
Details: 51 S. San Antonio Road, Los Altos, Thursday-Sunday, noon-4 p.m. Admission is free. For more information and a complete list of programs and locations, call 650-948-9427 or visit losaltoshistory.org.
Spring Open House and Train Show: The South Bay Historical Railroad Society will hold its semi-annual Open House and Train Show on April 6 and 7.
Up for grabs will be railroad-related books, postwar Lionel Trains and related O27 and O Scale items, HO and N scale locomotives, cars, model buildings, detail parts and accessories.
Details: Santa Clara Caltrain Depot, 1005 Railroad Ave., Santa Clara, April 6, 10 a.m- 5 p.m., April 7, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Admission is $5. For more information, call 408-243-3969 or visit www.sbhrs.org.
Saratoga Blossom Festival: The seventh annual Saratoga Blossom Festival takes place on April 13.
There will be antique cars, crafts, an art show, music, food, people dressed up as historical characters, booths representing organizations, and a petting zoo.
Details: Heritage Orchard and Saratoga Civic Center, 13777 Fruitvale Ave., Saratoga, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, call 408-867-4311 or visit www.saratogahistory.com.
Coin Expo: ”The Kid Who Picked the Gold Coin” and a workshop on collecting rare coins are among the events at the Coin Expo, April 12-14. With more than 70 vendors, this coin, currency, stamp and collectibles show is the largest exhibition of its kind in Northern California.
Details: Santa Clara Convention Center, 5001 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara. April 12-14. Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. April 12, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. April 13 and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. April 14. General admission is $6 general, $3 for ages 12-17; free for kids under 12. For more information, call 415-601-8661 visit www.griffincoin.com.
Vintage Bridal Fair: The Lace Museum will hold a Vintage Bridal Fair April 13-14.
There will be an array of gowns in different sizes, more than 100 veils and headpieces and a host of other pieces such as hankies, lingerie, cake table linens and bridal accessories — all offered at fantastic prices.
Details: 522 S. Murphy Ave., Sunnyvale, April 13-14, 10 a.m-4 p.m. For more information, call 408-730-4695, or visit lacemuseum.org.
The French Market Marin: The 2019 outdoor antique market season kicks off April 14 and takes place monthly through October.
As you stroll through the aisles filed with all types of vintage goodies, listen (or even dance!) to live music. It’s easy to imagine you are at a European street fair, especially as you nosh on freshly made crepes
Details: Marin Civic Center, San Rafael, second Sunday of the month through October, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, call 415-383-2252, or visit thefrenchmarketmarin.com.
Grass Valley Old West Show: Nearly 80 dealers will be on hand for the 20th annual Grass Valley Old West Show, May 10-11. The event is a showcase for Gold Rush-era artifacts, gambling and saloon memorabilia, country store and barbershop items, old firearms and Native American treasures.
This year’s show will feature a number of displays commemorating the 150th anniversary of the driving of the Golden Spike on May 10, 1869, at Promontory Summit, Utah, which united the First Transcontinental Railroad.
Attendees may bring two items for free evaluations.
If you have not explored downtown Grass Valley, you’re in for a treat. There are some great emporiums (including several antiques stores), a super ice cream and candy emporium (Lazy Dog Chocolateria,111 Mill St.), lots of trendy restaurants and a splendid Art Deco movie palace.
Details: Join the action at the Nevada County Fairgrounds, 11228 McCourtney Road, Friday May 10, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; Saturday May 11, 10 a.m.-5p.m. Admission is $10. Visit grassvalleyshow.com for details about early bird admission. For more information, call Mike McDowell at 510-703-1101 or check the website.