Activities Coinciding with Union Show

[barnettrp21122]

This year would be my first trip to the Union show. I wondered if the church-sponsored parking lot show is being held on Thursday prior, and if members feel it is worth the extra time to go to it. Could someone post details of this?
I plan to visit the SanFillipo estate and collection on Saturday. I'd appreciate info on this also regarding admission time, etc.
Regarding payment on big-ticket items: I know cash is king, but do dealers even consider other payment forms for serious buyers? What are your thoughts on handling money safely?
Thanks!
Bob

[jnorman111]

(J.M.J.)
While some vendors do a "walk- through" of the Church's annual flea market the day before the Union show, ( not me, never have ), very, very, few of them set-up there because, first, it is outdoors and the security is not as tight as at the Union show, and most importantly, the Donley boys that have run a respectable, unique show since the early 70s do not appreciate that any vendors would expose their wares at the Chuch sale, whereas the early bird admission for Thur. evening is $40. So it is understandable that the public would get confused if they could make a deal the day before at the Church sale. Does that make sense?
By all means , on Saturday evening, if you can go, procede to Jasper SanPhillipo's estate (maps of how to get there are available always at the show) and enjoy the extensive high end collection, the place, the hugh pipe organ room, the bar room, the carrousel ride in his "shed", etc.. If I recall it is a $15.00 donation to a good cause to attend.
If you want to get to know some advanced collectors while at the Union show, attend the Wisconsin-Illinois Musical Antique Society's meeting after the Friday show closes, in the Donley's Steakhouse in the same buildings front section. Public is welcome to the meeting.

[melvind]

The Union show is a great weekend. Be sure and be there 1st thing Friday for the most fun and the best deals. You can get your admittance badge the Thursday mid-day and the Donaly's have a very nice reception for the dealers and early buyers.

Cash is king at the show and I really think you should seriously consider bringing cash. Some dealers will take checks, but it's my opinion that cash makes for a better show. Those that both sell and buy can buy more if they get cash for the things they sell. I've gone for more than 10 years and have never felt uncomfortable carrying my cash around the show. It's a very secure environment.

I have never gone to the Church parking lot sale and never will. It was started by a bunch of folks that got mad at the Donaly's a few years ago and I think it all exists out of spite. So, it's not for me. Some folks go and like it. But, I simply don't think it is a good idea. It just makes the actual Union show experience less fun and less robust.

I predict you will love the show!

Dan

[3victrolas]

Occasionally dealers do take personal checks. Last year, I ran short on cash by late Saturday afternoon , & a dealer came by to ask if I was still interested in his machine. I told him yes, but unfortunately I was short on cash by that point. I also said that I completely understood why everyone wanted cash, but that I wouldn't be able to purchase. His immediate response was no problem I'll be happy to take your check. So, I bought the machine. No doubt he would rather have had cash, & of course I completely understand why, but he did made an immediate sale. I always try to bring plenty of cash but never seem to have enough. I wonder if $10,000 would be enough?

Folks, I've had the opportunity to attend the picnic, & I am not one of the people who "got mad at the Donley's". I wouldn't recognize them if they walked in my house right now. It's always a nice time & interesting things turn up every year. I don't know if it'll be held this year or not. The Messiah Lutheran Church hasn't posted their June events calendar yet. For the record dealers do attend. I've seen them buying things there & I've seen a few set up too. I don't have any problem whatsoever with that church raising money for their community projects. I'm all for helping my fellow human beings, & that picnic is just another way to help raise money for charity! Attending the picnic has not in any way made the Union Show less robust or interesting for me or anyone else I can think of. If anything, it gives the non dealer a chance to sell a few things & then spend that money at the Union Show. Guess you guys would like it if I had less to spend at your booth.

All of the events are great! Travel safely & have a wonderful time!!

[ColoradoPhonograf]

I agree completely with 3Victrolas, there are many things happening that weekend and the parking lot sale at the church is a good "heads up" as to what will be available at the show itself. It's a good cause with many nice people mingling around.

Definitely go to The SanFilippo collection no matter what. I told one person last year that if you attend "It'll be one of those moments of your life that you will smile back upon and Never ever Forget" And yes, when it was over she said "Yes, I will never forget those sights and sounds of history" We had a great time. Take a camera and be respectful since it is a private home. Jasper is a very gracious host and we all are grateful of his influence on our hobby. If I could only do one thing, either attend the Union show or fly in to Chicago just to see the SanFilippo for just three hours..... I'd choose to encounter his collection. The pipe organ is the most amazing sound you'll ever hear on earth.

Hope you enjoy the show.

ColoradoPhonograf

[3victrolas]

I inquired & here is the link I received regarding the picnic information. Remember that the minimal admission donation is tax deductible so be sure to get a receipt if you want to write it off on your taxes. The picnic is staffed by volunteers, & any money Messiah raises is used strictly for charity. If the link isn't clickable for you just copy & paste.

http://home.comcast.net/~messiahluthera ... undraiser/