Arts, Antiques & Autos
The Courthouse-on-the-Square revs up for Denton's clasic festival.
he annual Arts, Antiques & Autos Extravaganza celebrates downtown Denton’s past and present with a Saturday packed with family fun.
Set for September 8 at Denton’s historic Courthouse-on-the-Square downtown, the event is in its eighth year and includes fine arts and crafts, antique and sports memorabilia appraisals, a car show, a Kids Zone, live music, shopping, food, and more.
“It’s an event that represents our past and celebrates our present and focuses on the stores and the merchants who bring a diverse mix to downtown Denton,” says Christine Gossett, event coordinator for the Denton Main Street Association. “And the fact that we have an authentic downtown square that is on the National Register of Historic Places really makes our event special.”
TURNING FOR A CAUSE
For the third year, the Golden Triangle Woodturners highlight their trade at the festival. The woodwork craft uses a lathe to create wooden objects such as bowls, boxes, and candlesticks. This year, the group continues their presentation of pen making. “Last year, we turned freedom pens, and we’re planning on doing that again this year,” says John Solberg, vice president of the 60-member group. “We’ll probably also turn some wooden tops for the kids.”
The Freedom Pens Project is a nationwide volunteer effort whose goal is to provide handcrafted pens to American troops. “We usually don’t sell anything [at the festival], but we’ve had so many people wanting to buy pens from us that we’ve asked them to sponsor a freedom pen to help support our expenses for making them,” Solberg says. “For a donation of $25, you can sponsor a pen, and you can also buy one.”
WHAT'S DOING AT THE FESTIVAL
One of the biggest head-turners of the event is the car show.
“Having those classic cars that range from Model Ts up to the year 2007 trucks with the Courthouse as the backdrop is really a window into history,” Gossett says. “It’s a step back in time to come to the event to see everything lined up around the Square.”
Car show participants roll in from all over North Texas and even across the Oklahoma border.
“I think a lot of what makes this so special is just the community, the Main Street,” says Becky Watkins, the car show chair. “All the stores on the Square participate. They welcome the contestants. There’s entertainment. There’s just a lot to do. That sets it off from a lot of other car shows.”
The auto show includes numerous categories, covering classic, custom, hot rods, and trucks—with trophies and cash prizes. “We had more than 200 cars in the show last year and expect even more this year,” Gossett says.
After checking out the hot rods, festival-goers can browse the eclectic collection of artwork on the lawn. The festival draws a variety of artists from across the region to compete in its juried fine arts and crafts show (also with prizes). Past collections included jewelry, quilts, art clocks, wood carvings, ceramics, etched ostrich eggs, and more.
Antiques abound in the shops around the Square, and the Attic Treasure Appraisals are another festival hot spot. Performed by antiques shop owners and collectors, the appraisals are for informational purposes only—not insurance valuations. The cost is $5 per item or three items for $10. “It’s for anything that can be carried in,” Gossett says, noting that the actual item is easier to work with than photos, but adding that bulky items like furniture aren’t allowed due to the large crowds.
An appraiser will also be on hand for sports memorabilia.
Live music includes several bands that play throughout the day, including Denton’s own RiversWest, an acoustic rock band. The popular Kids Zone includes bounce houses, face painting, airbrush tattoos, kite making, games and activities, as well as photo opportunities on an antique fire truck with the Courthouse in the background.
Restaurants and shops around the Square are also open.
“Bring your wallet, because there are lots of great treasures to find in downtown Denton and at the event,” Gossett says.
VOLUNTEER/INSIDER INFORMATION
Volunteers are needed to work in the information booth, for setup and teardown, to prepare awards, and to help with car show parking. For information, contact the Denton Main Street Association at (940) 349-8529 or e-mail info@dentonmainstreet.org.
The event benefits the Denton Main Street Association, which works to preserve and revitalize historic downtown Denton.
by Rachel StowE Master