Tents were set up behind the Duchess Outlet, William St., Pittston, for the 1st Annual Antiques Fair held on Oct. 5. Vendors from far and wide participated in the inaugural event.
Tony Callaio | For Sunday Dispatch
Julio Caprari, left, show a pair of antique swords inside the Duchess Outlet on Oct. 5 at the rear lot of the outlet building.
Tony Callaio | For Sunday Dispatch
Sisters Caleigh Ross, 9, back, and Kensli, 7, stop at antique dealer Joe McLean’s booth. McLean along with Julio and Paul Caprari are the founders of the 1st Annual Antique Fair.
Tony Callaio | For Sunday Dispatch
Paul Caprari, with hat on, owner of I Buy Anything Old store, inside Duchess Outlet, takes care of a few interested customers.
Tony Callaio | For Sunday Dispatch
Sophie May Vee, left, owner of The Wonderkammer - Olde Curiousities Shoppe, took part in the 1st Annual Antique Fair at Duchess Outlet.
Tony Callaio | For Sunday Dispatch
PITTSTON — When Julio and Paul Caprari and Joe McLean brainstormed on creating an antique show, all three had no idea what to expect, but after holding the 1st Annual Antique Fair behind the Duchess Outlet, William Street, all three are so encouraged, they are talking about holding the 2nd Annual in 2025.
One key component for the first annual event’s success was perfect weather with mild temperatures and deep blue skies.
“We consider it a success and there will be another one and the second Antique Fair is forthcoming,” Julio Caprari said. “We are proud of we accomplished and just so happy the city supported it and the community supported it and there are good things ahead.”
Several dozen vendors participated at the indoor/outdoor event with all walking away pleased.
“I think it was a prosperous day for most of them and they were already asking to be placed on the list for the next one,” Caprari added.
There were a variety of antiques available from historical to sports and everything in between.
Several tents were erected along the perimeter of the lot with food trucks in the center creating a natural flow for customers.
The back lot of the Duchess Outlet has been vacant with overgrown vegetation and debris, but once cleared, the Capraris realized the gem they had with the back lot. The grounds itself was part of the Pittston Iron Works that was razed just leaving the front portion of the building that stands today as the Duchess Outlet.
With the clearing of the lot and holding a successful event like the antiques fair, the Capraris are looking down the road to host other events.
“We may even have additional events on the foundry grounds since the antique fair went so well,” Caprari said. “There will certainly be another antique fair using the model from the first one, but there may be additional events out there. Maybe something different but with a little flair.”
Caprari mentioned the possibility of a craft show or even an antique car show.
With the addition of the food trucks, it made a perfect tie-in with the great weather and the event beginning from the breakfast hour through lunch into the supper hour.
“I think it was the perfect mix of food and Jamaican food, BBQ food and the ice cream truck, those three were the perfect choices for food and beverages,” added Caprari. “We didn’t know if three trucks would be enough or even if we had the space but it all worked out perfectly.”
Anytime you have an event for the first time, you’ll have a learning curve, and the event organizers feel they are on top of it for next time.
“My thoughts going into this is, we will learn a lot this year,” Caprari stated. “There were things we that we didn’t’ do good with or areas we can improve on, but I think we had all of our bases covered. It really did work out and there’s always room for improvement. I’m very happy with the way things turned out.”
The 1st Annual Antique Fair was not just a three-person event. Caprari said he “deputized” many of his family, extended family and friends for making the event a success.
Caprari said there’s room for expansion so look for the 2nd Annual Antiques Fair to make the event even bigger and better.
