Sandy Day to hand over La Lucia antiques-fair baton

AFTER two decades of being at the helm of the La Lucia Antique and Collectables Fair, organisers Sandy and Buddy Day are stepping back and handing over the reins of their much-beloved fair.

Speaking to Northglen News, Sandy Day explained it had been an emotional decision to arrive at after 20 years of joy.

“Our very first antique fair was on June 1, 2003 at La Lucia Mall. At the time, I think we only had about 20 traders. I never thought we’d reach a milestone of 10 years of sharing our love for antiques and collectables. To reach 20 years is extraordinary, and our fair is now home to more than 45 traders. I call them my family, and to arrive at this decision has been a very emotional one for Buddy and me. We see this as handing over the baton for someone new to take over the fair and continue its legacy,” she said.

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As the organiser and an antiques trader herself, Sandy has also used her platform to raise hundreds of thousands of rands for charity.

She began selling antiques in 1985 at a fair on Windermere Road, and that would be the catalyst for her beginning the La Lucia Antique and Collectables Fair.

“I would say antiques are in my blood. My father, Charles Petersen, was one of the top antique dealers in the country. So it was something that was born in me. I think selling things at the fair in 1985 really sparked the thought – why not have my own? I approached La Lucia Mall, and the rest, as they say, is history,” she said.

Sandy also thanked the mall, traders and residents who have made the fair the success it is today.

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“La Lucia Mall has been absolutely wonderful to us throughout these past 20 years, and may it long continue. We’ve also been blessed by the support from the residents and general public who’ve supported the fair so loyally. Of course, none of this would be possible without the traders. They are like stars in the sky – without the stars, there is no heaven. We just want to say thank you for all the memories, friendships and love shown, and I hope that the fair will continue to grow from strength to strength and see out many more decades to come,” she said.

• The next La Lucia Antique and Collectables Fair takes place on Sunday, June 4, at La Lucia Mall. Traders can be found on the lower ground floor from 09:00 to 16:00 on the day. Entry is free. A number of traders will display a vast array of vintage treasures from crystal, silver, vintage jewellery and antique woodworking tools, to name a few. Contact Sandy Day on 082 705 4882 for more information.

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