Counties’ first antique fair coming to Apple Hill this weekend

A local antique collector wants to share his passion for antiques with other residents of the Glengarry-Prescott-Russell region, and is hosting the first edition of an antique fair at his home this weekend.

"First of all, I could not understand why this has not already happened," said Robert Trottier, owner of Apple Hill Antiques. "In this corner of the region, everyone does their little trades, and there are all types of fairs, but I think this (antique fair) was missing here."

The fair, which will feature several antique vendors and a general showing, takes place from Friday, August 20 to Sunday, August 22 at Trottier's home and place of business, Apple Hill Antiques, 19320 County Road 25, in Apple Hill (west of Green Valley).

"I want to make it an annual event, but I'd like to rotate it around the united counties area," he said. "Another year, for instance, this could take place in Vankleek Hill."

Trottier said he has been interested in the antique business for the last 15 years, and this fair will provide an opportunity "to give back to the public what I have received," in terms of an antique education.

One such educational feature will be the presence of an appraiser this weekend; with an appointment, people can stop by the fair and have their antiques appraised for a small fee. The concept would be similar to the Antiques Roadshow television show on PBS, Trottier explained.

"My love for antiques started in the old country," he continued, recalling his travels across counties like Belgium, France, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. "I would spend the weekend in cities like Paris, where I would go to these fairs, and I developed an interest in that - learning the signs, and what to look for."

Upon returning to Canada, Trottier opened an antique gallery in Aylmer, Quebec, followed by another in Hull that specialized in Canadiana. These days, however, he spends his time visiting the Finnegan's Flea and Antiques Market in Hudson.

"It's fantastic, it's a great feeling," he said of such fairs, adding: "The public is made aware of the value of their treasures - and they find some new treasure as well. It's an awareness, more than anything, and I hope people develop a passion for antiques.

In similar vein, he compares his own love for antiques with the beauty of visiting a new place or country for the first time: the feeling of discovery.

"My hope is that people can learn something from the fair," he said, gazing out the window at the green, spacious frontage of his property. "It's a social gathering, in a pleasant place, where people can also relax and enjoy a day in the sun.

"I like parties, and I hope this can be a big antique party... like a BYOA, a bring-your-own-antiques day!"