Charleston, SC � August 2004 � More than 30 of the world�s pre-eminent antiques dealers will participate in the 2nd Annual Charleston International Antiques Show, March 18-20, 2005, organized by Historic Charleston Foundation. With a concentration on period furnishings and decorative pieces, the show will offer a diverse range of antiques, including silver and porcelain, textiles, ceramics, vintage jewelry, quilts and garden furniture.

The 2004 show, held last March, was a huge success with more than 4,400 guests attending, well past organizers� goal of 3,000 for the first-time event. Many of the dealers agreed that the Charleston show was a successful event for them as well.

�We don�t take adding a show to our calendar very lightly,� Eric Baumgartner, director of the American arts department at Hirschl & Adler, told the (Charleston) Post and Courier newspaper, �but given the historical period of so much of the architecture of Charleston, we felt like it was a great place to introduce our merchandise.�

Guests attending the Opening Night Preview Party on Thursday, March 17, 6-9 p.m., will have the opportunity to view and purchase exceptional period furnishings and decorative pieces from some of the top dealers before the show opens to the general public. Tickets for the Preview Party, which will include a show catalog, cocktails, hors d�oeuvres and music at the top of Charleston�s historic High Battery, are $150 (of which $75 is tax deductible) per person and include a one-day admission. Early admission to the Preview Party for Patrons is $250 (of which $150 is tax deductible) and includes a champagne reception and unlimited daily admission. Collectors� Circle tickets are $500 (of which $300 is tax deductible) and include the Preview Party, champagne reception, unlimited daily admission, invitations to special CIAS events, access to the Collectors� Circle Withdrawing Room, and reserved parking.

The show will take place at the foundation�s headquarters, the Capt. James Missroon House at 40 East Bay St., overlooking Charleston Harbor, and will kick off the 58th Annual Festival of Houses and Gardens. Proceeds will support the preservation efforts of Historic Charleston Foundation. Daily admission is $15 and includes the show catalog. Three-day passes are $35.

�This is a rare opportunity to view and purchase some of the finest American, European and Asian antiques ever offered in this region,� said Kitty Robinson, Executive Director of Historic Charleston Foundation. �Whether buying or browsing, guests will enjoy a pre-eminent exhibition featuring some of the top dealers in the world.�

Special events include daily expert-guided tours of the show, educational lectures, and a Young Collectors� Soiree on Friday night. In addition to the stunning selection of antiques and fine art, attendees will enjoy a café overlooking Charleston Harbor, and a Historic Charleston Foundation gift shop.

Keeling Wainwright Associates, Inc. will manage the show. The firm has a prestigious roster of credits, including three of the top antiques events in the United States: the Philadelphia Antiques Show, Boston�s Ellis Antiques Show, and The American Antiques Show in New York.

For more information about the show, or to reserve tickets to the Preview Party, Young Collectors� Soiree, or Luncheon Lecture Series, call 843�722�3405 after Nov.1, 2004. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.historiccharleston.org after that date.

To learn more about the Charleston area, please contact the Charleston Area Convention & Visitors Bureau at 843�853�8000 or 800�868�8118. Also, be sure to visit our website at www.charlestoncvb.com.
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�The mission of the Charleston Area Convention & Visitors Bureau is to unify and lead the local travel industry in marketing the Charleston area as an individual, meeting, incentive and group destination to both the domestic and international markets.�

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www.charlestoncvb.com
Visitor | Media | Meeting Professionals | Tour Professionals | Travel Council
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Phone/Contacts: 843�853�8000
Chris Nobles, Media Relations Director
Amy Ballenger-Guest, Media Relations Associate Director
Katie Chapman, Media Relations Manager
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