AKY Vintage Antique Show, From Past to Present: A Day to Remember

AKY Vintage Antique Show, From Past to Present

A Day to Remember

Gideon Thompson

The Ashland Beacon

As we make our way through life, we accumulate items that some may overlook, never asking, “Where has this dresser come from?” or “Who did this belong to, before it made its way here?”

When I was a young child, I remember spotting pieces of furniture in my grandparents’ home—later identified as pieces either purchased new or handed down from relatives for the sake of memory. Aged possessions passed down from our elders were lined up across our walls, in the hope that those items might benefit the next generation while adding conversation for those who took notice. Whether moving out on our own or making a common space in our home feel more welcoming, antiques play a great role in maintaining historic value and adding meaning to our lives.

The world of antiques is vast and mystical, including artifacts of interest, occupations, hobbies, lifestyles, and necessities. When considering our antique purchases, it can be fun to imagine what the items may have been used for, or to whom they may have belonged. With each artifact comes a rich history and story that can be assumed by those who are blessed to observe them. A baker’s cabinet may find its way into our kitchen after having spent a century in an abandoned Victorian-era home long forgotten by its owners. Bookshelves from some of our historic homes in the area might find their way into antique stores, where they will be cleaned and mended for future generations. There are endless stories and possible opportunities for rediscovering our past when we consider an antique purchase, as each item is unique and holds some form of value—whether aesthetic or sentimental.

This September, magic awaits us as the Port of Ashland is set for the 2025 AKY Vintage Antique Show. With a cool riverfront breeze, live music, food vendors, and a spacious venue, the AKY Vintage Antique Show holds something for those seeking antiques and heirlooms. Whether looking for a new conversation piece or a place to hang a hat, antique stores and vendors hold the key to that desire. When scouring through our closets, basements, and attics, we may come across trunks filled with memories, old lanterns, clocks, dolls, or even sewing machines. We may find ourselves at times staring at some of the oddities found in our homes and other spaces while contemplating what value they may hold. Look no further, as this year’s AKY Vintage Antique Show will be hosting vendors, resellers, and appraisers who may be able to lend us an idea of what value our antique and vintage items may hold. With vendors and sponsors such as Reggie’s Attic Estate Sales, Bluegrass Sports Cards & Memorabilia, Bluegrass Collectors, My Town TV HD, Brass Masters Antiques, and City of Ashland Kentucky Government, the event is set for success.

This year’s AKY Vintage Antique Show is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Port of Ashland riverfront park. For anyone interested, the event will host live music from artists such as Nick Carr from 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. and Mattox Hale from 2:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. Any vendors interested in participating may contact Visit AKY at visitaky.com or by calling 606.329.1007.