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Fall 2007 Press Release

Contact:
Rick McConn
800-999-2148
rick@marburgershow.com
Ashley Ferguson
800-947-5799
ashley@marburgershow.com
www.roundtop-marburger.com

FALL MARBURGER FARM ANTIQUE SHOW HOT AS EVER
Marsh Family of Texas Buys “the Best Show Anywhere”

10.12.07 - Round Top, TX – Once again the Oct. 2-6 Marburger Farm Antique Show was hot --- the weather, the crowds, the merchandise and the news. And the hottest news of all was the announcement by show founder John Sauls that he has sold the 400 vendor event to the Marsh family of Tyler, Dallas and other Texas cities. The Marsh family is so big that they even have a branch in tiny Round Top itself.

At a packed “Town Hall” meeting with the show’s vendors, Sauls introduced his long-time friend, Margaret Marsh Mebus and the members of her family who will take up stewardship of the beloved mega-show that he launched in 1997. “I wish the new owners all the best,” said Sauls. “And I offer a big Texas thanks to all the vendors, shoppers, press and to everyone who had a part in the success of Marburger Farm.”

And the show went on. Without missing a beat, the gates opened for early buying Tuesday morning. The 27 acres of parking spilled over the edges and shoppers spilled into the 5 football field size tents, the 12 restored early Texas buildings and the various other tents that shelter vendors from 37 states and several countries on the 43 acre site.

“We had a superb show, absolutely fabulous,” reported Virginia Pierson, who sold estate jewelry, majolica, silver and other smalls in the restored Silver Dollar Saloon. Known as “the Genie of Texas,” Pierson went on, “The customers were ‘warm’ and friendly and buying. And Marburger Farm is the best show anywhere. I congratulate the new owners.”

“We had the best opening day ever. We almost sold out,” said Theresa Smith of Glendale, KY. “We brought a ton of American furniture and a ton of smalls. I save back what I think is best for Marburger Farm. I guess I saved right.” The Smiths sold three large cupboards, industrial racks and tables with galvanized tops.

Richard and Carol Machtolff of Anaheim, CA observed an increased “vitality and energy at this fall show. Texas is a great venue. After 25 years in business,” said Richard Machtolff, “I can say that the quantity, quality and composition of the attendance is better by far than any other show that we do.” The Machtolffs sold American furniture in original paint, cold-painted Vienna bronzes and European homespun linen.

“It was fantastic,” echoed Georgia Morel of New Roads, LA. “The weather was so hot that I didn’t expect a turnout. But opening day was gangbusters.” Morel sold architectural antiques, including four large store counters. Her husband sold 70 pieces of lighting, while her favorite sale was a two foot long papier mache Victorian bull dog pull toy on wheels. “Not only was he in mint condition, but when you pulled the string on his collar, his head bobbed and he barked. The rare, the wonderful, the unique--- that’s Marburger Farm. John Sauls is the best promoter I have ever had and I wish him well. Marburger Farm is the best show in the country,” said a grateful Georgia Morel.

One of the most creative booths belongs to Norwalk, Iowa’s Brad and Sundie Ruppert Vintage Sculpture in the small Marburger Artisan Tent. “It was amazing,” said Sundie Ruppert. “It was the best show we have ever had.” The Rupperts build sculptures out of antique collected items. “John Sauls is very positive about our new family, the Marshes,” Sundie Ruppert continued. “They seem wonderful and excited to be here. They want to keep the show on track, so we are excited about the future of Marburger Farm.”

New show owner Margaret Marsh Mebus met quilt dealer John Sauls when she convinced him to conduct the sale of her aunt’s historic estate 16 years ago. That launched his career in estate sales and their friendship. Her son-in-law Rick McConn will manage show promotion, while daughter-in-law Ashley Ferguson will oversee finance and office operations. Other Marsh family members and the long-time Marburger Farm Antique Show staff will work alongside the new leaders. John Sauls has reserved the restored Gulf Warehouse as his booth at Marburger Farm for the next five years.

“We want to listen to vendors and customers and find out their ideas and concerns and do things that are helpful to both our vendors and our customers,” said Margaret Marsh Mebus. “We are grateful for the legacy that John Sauls has created and we plan to build on that going forward.” Rick McConn summed it up: “As a family, we will do everything that we can to build on the excellence that is the Marburger Farm Antique Show.”

Dealer Mo McSwain of Tyler, TX, who sold American primitives and industrial antiques, is one of the dealers who already knew the Marsh family well. “John has done a fantastic job of building Marburger Farm into the best show anywhere,” McSwain said. “Running Marburger Farm is now a huge job and the Marsh family is young and big. They have lots of hands to help. And they have the heart to take the show to the next level.”

The next level at the Marburger Farm Antique Show starts next spring with early buying on Tuesday, April 1, continuing through Saturday April 5, 2008. For information on vendors, travel, maps, lodging, shipping and more, see www.roundtop-marburger.com or call Rick McConn at 800-999-2148 or Ashley Ferguson at 800-947-5799.

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