Collectors take note: Antique show has something for everyone

Whether you’re a serious collector or a casual antique shopper, the 32nd annual Bayou

Lafourche Antique Sale could have what you’ve been looking for.

The antique show is set for Sept. 14-16 at the Evergreen Cajun Center, 4694 West Main St. in Gray.

Ta-Wa-Si Civic Club in Thibodaux, formed in 1947, sponsors the annual event. The organization took its name from an Indian word meaning “friends”, or “helpers.”

Through the antique show, publicity chairman Murray Dennis said she feels the club lives up to its name by contributing all of its net proceeds to worthy projects, schools and charities in the area.

In past years, full-tuition scholarships were awarded annually to local students who needed assistance to attend Nicholls State University. More than 50 students have benefited from this award.

According to Dennis, the show was the brainchild of late member Martha Sowell Utley back in 1975. The funds have gone toward fulfilling Utley’s dream of having a library/cultural center in Thibodaux.

That facility, a restored warehouse, houses the Lafourche Parish Public Library and the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center.

Murray said the civic club does not run the park. The National Park Service oversees daily operations.

The cultural center reflects life in the bayou area of South Louisiana, she said.

“Show proceeds also enabled the club to establish an endowment at Nicholls State to ensure the future of the scholarships,” Dennis said.

Returning to the show are more than 40 dealers – from 11 states – selling a wide variety of quality products ranging from fine American, country and formal French furniture to vintage linens and children’s clothing and toys.

Silver and silver-plated porcelain, paper antiques, original lithographs, lighting, religious items – including prayer books, wicker furniture, estate jewelry, as well as architectural and garden pieces will be sold.

Special services available during the show include a lid replacement service and matching services for Haviland china as well as silver and silver-plate.

Shoppers should also keep an eye out for smaller size Persian, Oriental and needlepoint hand-woven rugs – new additions to the show and sale.

To help ensure the best selection, Dennis suggests shoppers bring color samples and measurements to the sale.

The Little Café Center inside the Evergreen Cajun Center will have daily lunch specials as well as gumbo, crab cakes, shrimp, and a variety of sandwiches, salads and desserts.

Show tickets and raffle tickets can be purchased on the day of the event.

The club is raffling an antique Victorian locket and an antique side table on Sunday. A $25 door prize will be awarded daily.

The antique show opens on Friday, Sept. 14, and Saturday, Sept. 15, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 16, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The one-time $5 admission is good for all three days.

For more information, contact Dennis at (985) 446-0207 or visit the organization’s Web site at www.geocities.com/ thibodauxantiqueshow.