Cape Town - Are you a collector of antiques, then the annual Vintage Ideas market in Simondium this weekend should not be missed.
Established in 2011 by Wilna Rabe, the market at Simondium Country Lodge is a vintage wonderland of unique, hand-crafted and original items.
A collector since she can remember, Rabe finds her vintage gems on her regular travels.
“I have always been intrigued by older things and am a compulsive collector - from books, to paintings, letters and furniture. I went to school at Bloemhof High in Stellenbosch and can still clearly recollect the Maggie Laubscher in the foyer and the Pierneefs in the hall on the way to history class,” she says.
This year, visitors to the market can expect a celebration of women, such as Frida Kahlo, Audrey Hepburn and Evita Peron.
“The vintage trend is more popular than ever,” says Rabe. “Consumers are looking for items that can tell a story or reflect a bygone era. It allows us to bring a piece of history into our homes and keep memories alive for the next generation.
“We have once again made a selection of amazing exhibitors, who offer exquisite items and collectables ranging from decor, jewellery, glassware, silver, fashion and accessories, kitchenalia, garden accessories, irresistible bric-brac and precious antiques,” Rabe explains.
Hosted in and around the lodge, exhibitors will include ARK Workshop, Boerevintage, Bunny Ciao, Good Ole Stuff, Gracious Daisy, Green Sleeves, Karoo LTD Clothing, Lig Leefstyl, Meisies Kitchen, Merci, Mrs Robinson’s of Napier, Plan B Vintage and non-profit organisation Patch.
“Most of my shopkeepers source their goods from mass markets, garage sales, auctions and house clearance sales, as well as hospices. This, however, does require time, a good eye and a certain amount of knowledge, says Rabe.
Regarding trends and what visitors would want, Rabe says: “Trends to a large extent dictate the cost of certain items that are in vogue. For example, five years ago you could pick up brass items for a song, but as it is now a sought-after item it has become quite costly. A market such as this offers a unique, one-stop shop where you can find your piece of a forgotten time.
“Vintage items are also being bought by younger people, which takes the perception of olden dusty out of vintage and gives it a modern twist and lively edge.”
Also on offer will be live music, wine and craft beer tasting and delectable snacks to be enjoyed in the garden, as well as special entertainment for the children.
The Vintage Ideas market is open from Friday until Monday, 9.30am till 4pm over the weekend and until 3pm on Monday.
Tickets are R30 an adult, while children under 18 enter free. Secured parking is available at the venue, located off the R45 between Paarl and Franschhoek. For more information, visit www.vintageideas.co.za or phone 0218741046.
Other festivals and markets to try:
Lambert’s Bay Crayfish and Cultural Festival
Location: In town, in the harbour area in front of the police station (Snoek Kaai).
Open: April 29 to May 1
Website: www.kreeffees.co.za
Located two hours drive from Cape Town, this fishing village comes alive on Friday with its annual celebration of seafood, music, activities and West Coast culture. Stalls have been carefully selected to offer visitors the best West Coast cuisine, crafts and handmade clothing. Local artists and well-known performers will offer entertainment, while visitors enjoy local wines. Children will be entertained in the kiddies area. Food lovers can learn how to cook seafood meals and young people will be entertained at the Kreefjol on Saturday night.
Elgin Cool Wine and Country Food 2016
Location: Participating farms in the Elgin Valley
Open: April 30 to May 1, 9am to 5pm daily.
Website: www.elginwine.co.za
The Elgin Wine Valley opens its doors to visitors this weekend. Enjoy a variety of tailor-made tasting experiences - MCC tastings, chocolate and wine pairings, vertical tastings and casual, informal wine tastings. There will be live entertainment with artists such as The Professors, Zenn Viljoen and the Tequila Band, and food served by the various wine farms, pop-up kitchens and food trucks. There will also be food and entertainment for younger visitors, including tractor rides, jumping castles and lawn games.
Early bird entry tickets are R120 a person (over 18s) and available from www.webtickets.co.za. This includes a tasting glass and festival programme - and can be collected at the Peregrine Farm Stall. It allows access to the participating farms, live entertainment and wine tasting of a selection of three wines of your choice.
Tickets at R140 a person may be bought on the day at the farm stall. All children younger than 18 and accompanied by an adult may enter for free. Guests are advised to pre-book activities and meals.
Franschhoek Village Market
Location: 29 Huguenot Road,Franschhoek
Open: Saturdays, 9am to 3pm
The market is a family friendly food and craft market set in the Franschhoek Valley. It offers visitors a feast of produce, delicious deli items, indigenous artwork and craft items, the chance to have a child-friendly outing and the opportunity to experience country living. Info: www.capemarkets.co.za
Cape Argus