As their website helpfully notes… “the Alameda Point Antiques and Collectibles Faire is Northern California’s largest antiques and collectibles show.” With more than 800 booths in the beautiful Alameda setting, it also means that it is a madhouse of collectors and crap.
If you have never been it is completely worth it if for the stunning views of San Francisco from across the Bay alone. Giant ships await their fate in the Oakland shipyards next door, while thousands of people bargain to try and grab that one perfect trinket that will make their house complete.
I have had the (mis)fortune of going twice now, and this snapshot was taken along one of the aisles. It struck me as funny in a sad way. That this once regal animal had been resigned to peeking it’s head out of a silk-lined trash can… peering at passer-bys with a contempt that could only be seen to be understood.
If you go, there are just three things to remember: bring loads of cash because the lines to the ATM are a killer, wear plenty of sunblock because there is no shade on the tarmac, and make sure you have a big enough car to haul your goodies home because a sports coupe just isn’t enough to grab everything you will find.