This weekend, reality TV will occupy center stage at DeVos Hall when filming begins in earnest for the poplular Top Rated PBS 'Antiques Road Show.' Although the team has been in town earlier this week, the general public will have the opportunity this Saturday to have their 'attic treasures' examined and appraised.
Already, the show has set some pretty startling records. According to the Kathy Carrier in an article covering the show by the Grand Rapids Press, Grand Rapids, Michigan has set the record with 27,000 ticket requests! However, only 3,400 lucky people received 2 tickets which will allow them to bring 2 items of furniture for appraisal and possible inclusion in the show which is tentatively scheduled to air sometime early next year.
Alas, I will not be one of the lucky few. However, all the excitement gets me to wondering about...What if...
What if the old chair that I inherited from my first home with the needlepoint on the seat that belonged to a Dutch ship owner is actually worth something? The first home we bought in Grand Rapids was a 104+ year old home. When we moved into many years ago,we found that the former owner left a few pieces of furniture. Could they be worth something?
Then, there's the odd rocker that I picked up from a friends home almost 15 years ago. It was a curved rocker without any arms. I was intrigued and admired it. She said I could have it. And although it needs some new upholstery, I've kept it all these years because it's the most interesting looking rocker that I've ever seen.
According to the shows' executive producer, Marsha Bemko, the best items to submit for appraisal are things that you're curious about...items which intrigue or interest you. Carrier notes in her article that the idea to pursue having Grand Rapids, Michigan as a part of the PBS broadcast was initiated by the Kent County Convention Board about a year ago.
Because Grand Rapids earned fame in the early half of the 19th Century as the headquarters for fine furniture and in recent years as a premier world producer for office furniture, there is an expectation that many folks will be bringing in their furniture for appraisal.
The 'Antiques Road Show' has a viewing audience of over 11 Million. It's wonderful to see Grand Rapids, Michigan being showcased in a way that venerates the city's rich history and tradition of quality craftsmanship.
Information about when the Grand Rapids segment will air should be available this fall. Meanwhile, check out the following links to follow the action:
Related articles...
Linda Odettes interesting C.A.F.E. blog about getting ready to try for a spot on the show
Antiques Roadshow on Wikipedia
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