Boomtown Invitational Antique Show will return to Boomtown Casino Event Center on August 21st, 22nd and 23rd. The area’s finest Antiques Retro and Vintage Show will be on Friday and Saturday from 10am to 5pm and Sunday from 10am to 4pm. Admission is $6 with free return and free parking all weekend. The Boomtown Hotel and Casino is located at 2100 Boomtown Garson Road, Verdi, NV just a short drive from Reno.
Originally founded in 1974 by Walter Larsen and Associates, the Truckee Boosters Benefit Antiques Show was created to raise money for Truckee High School scholarship, academic and sports programs. Over the decades, the event earned a loyal following among local collectors, antique enthusiasts and summer residents who returned year after year in search of exceptional treasures and unique finds.
In 2008, the show promotion was turned over to Twin Bridges Antique Productions under the direction of Carole Berry, who has now retired and graciously passed the torch to Dan and Paula Clements owners of Tanner’s Marketplace. Tanner’s Marketplace is proud to continue the long-standing tradition of presenting one of the region’s finest antiques and vintage events.
Because of the show’s outstanding reputation and loyal customer base, dealers have traveled from across the country including Idaho, Missouri, Nebraska, Oregon, Nevada, Tennessee, Utah and Washington to participate in the event. Merchandise has included turn-of-the-century oak and walnut furniture, lighting, kitchen and country primitives, Victorian art glass, American art pottery, sterling silver, jewelry, watches, fine porcelain and china, toys, dolls, folk art, and ephemera such as prints, maps, and paper collectibles.
Slot machines and gambling memorabilia also became especially popular due to the show’s proximity to Nevada casinos.
Celebrity visitors have occasionally appeared as well, including the late Leonard Nimoy, beloved for his role as Spock on the television series Star Trek. One memorable story came from veteran antiques dealer Lenore Fultz of Trail’s End Antiques in Tennessee. During the 2007 show, Nimoy and his son stopped to purchase a set of china from her booth. Lenore later admitted she had no idea who he was. Because she did not accept credit cards, Mr. Nimoy borrowed $100 from someone at the show for a deposit and returned the next morning with cash in hand to complete the purchase.
The year 2023 marked the final chapter for the Truckee High School location. Rising operational costs made it no longer economically feasible to continue hosting the show there. A search began for a new venue close enough to Truckee to remain convenient for longtime customers and friends of the show.
That search led to Boomtown Casino Hotel, located just down the hill from Truckee. The new venue offers a spacious showroom along with amenities the school could not provide. Lodging and dining are also more affordable, while the location still makes the show accessible to visitors to the area.
“This exciting new chapter has already proven successful. The Boomtown Invitational Antique Show was warmly received, with dealers and customers alike praising the new venue and atmosphere. We look forward to continuing the tradition for many years to come.” Dan and Paula Clements
For more information visit https://www.tannersreno.com/boomtown-show. To learn more about future Tanners Marketplace events visit https://www.tannersreno.com.