Bigfork Art and Cultural Center
Antiques Show and Sale

The Bigfork Art & Cultural Center’s Antiques Show and Sale held August 17th to 19th was successful despite competition from the Northwest Montana Fair and a slumping national economy. I stopped by late Sunday the 19th to talk with BACC director, Marnie Forbis, and some of the vendors.

Marnie explained that they had about 600 paying visitors to the show during its three-day run. “That didn’t set any records but the vendors were happy and the BACC met its expectations for the event.

"This is a very important fundraising event for the center; it represents about 25% of our operating budget for the year. We start working on it in March and by the time it arrives, we have a lot of hours into the preparation and show. I especially want to thank Mark Norley for his efforts and for helping to keep this show alive.
This was the 5th year we have held the show here at the art center and although space is much tighter and we can’t have all the extra activities, the vendors are more comfortable with the security in this building and the demand for volunteers to staff the event is greatly decreased.” Having the show downtown is also better for the business community since show attendees are more likely to browse the shops and get something to eat in the restaurants. A couple of years ago they decided to change the date of the show.

What they didn’t realize is that by moving the date back, they compete with the Northwest Montana Fair, so next year they have decided to move it up to August 9th through 11th.

After talking with Marnie, I walked through the show and talked with several of the vendors. They were generally pleased with the crowds and the sales. In general, the antiques business has felt the economic slowdown as much or more than many other elements of the economy.
Despite the fact that there were fewer people through the show, those who came did make significant purchases. The vendors also mentioned how much they love coming to Bigfork and what a wonderful setting and community we have. One couple that I talked with live in Oregon and look forward to the Bigfork show all year long. They treat their visit here like a vacation and especially enjoyed staying with Clara Morehouse at the Beardance Inn and Cabins.
Congratulations to everyone who worked diligently to make this year’s show a success and thanks also to everyone who attended the show and made purchases. Our community benefits from this event in so many positive ways. It is a great tribute to the memory of Pat Lamb that this show continues to make our community such a special place.