The Tribune

HUNDREDS of Bahamians are expected to pack the grounds of Collins House on Shirley Street on February 6 when the Historic Bahamas Foundation and a dozen sister NGOs host the first fair of its kind – a trinkets to treasures sale and extravaganza with shared proceeds benefitting more than a dozen causes and thousands of Bahamians.

The fair, a fund-raiser for the Historic Bahamas Foundation to assist with the restoration of historically significant sites, will give locals and visitors a chance to come face to face with live entertainment while browsing booths filled with fine art, rare books, antiques, one-of-a-kind furniture pieces, collectibles, electronics, and other treasures.

“When we first discussed raising funds to assist with the restoration of important historic sites that need tender loving care to secure their preservation, we wanted to do something fitting that would combine the past and the present but reach the general public who often overlook the value of the physical heritage,” said Diane Phillips, a director of the Historic Bahamas Foundation and chairman of the fair. “We hit upon the idea of a fair with art, antiques, books and collectibles, and then thought, why not include other organisations that would bring collectibles, art and goods and share in the proceeds, giving them a chance to raise funds while adding to the array of interesting items available for sale.”

The response, according to Historic Bahamas Foundation Chairman Owen Bethel, was more than encouraging.

“Between the time that we began planning the fair and now, much of the southern Bahamas was devastated by Hurricane Joaquin,” said Mr Bethel. “Several of our original participants were deeply involved in hurricane restoration efforts so we rescheduled the fair, originally proposed for November, to February and the charitable organisations and causes that have now signed on represent a broad spectrum of associations ranging from feeding to education and we are very pleased about the extraordinary level of participation.”

Among the groups participating are Links, Historic Charles Towne, Bahamas National Feeding Network, the Sickle Cell Association, Red Cross, Blairwood Academy and its outreach programme for Adelaide Primary, the Anglican Diocese Cofambia programme, and others.

In addition to activities at the fairgrounds in the gardens of Collins House at Collins Avenue and Shirley Street (entrance on Collins Avenue), there will be an online auction set to go live two weeks ahead of the fair.

The fair begins at 10 am, with an official opening ceremony set for 1 pm with the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Rangers Marching Band and other officials, and will continue to 4 pm. Entry is $1, donated to the Rangers programme. Food will be available from a variety of vendors and there will be entertainment, including a bouncy castle, for youngsters.