Antique Fair buyers help raise money

A beautiful antique doll captured Alexa Dunningham's imagination during the Rotorua Antique Fair.

The 6-year-old Rotorua girl, her 4-year-old brother, Caleb, and father Andrew go to the fair every year looking at the treasures on offer to buy.

Alexa was captivated by what was on offer, especially an old pre-loved vintage doll dressed in a lovely white gown.

However, it was a bit more than the $15 pocket money she had saved to spend, she said.

The doll was on sale for $138.

"It's just too expensive for me," she said. "I did get a big chocolate Easter egg though."

Dad, Andrew Dunningham, said they really enjoyed the fair every year and had furnished their home with antique furniture bought in previous years.

Event organiser Diane Akers said it had been a rather busy weekend for the 10 stall holders who had come from as far away as Christchurch, Cambridge and Tauranga to sell their antique wares.

On sale was everything from crockery to crystal and glassware, antique dolls and toys to furniture and silverware.

"We've seen lots of old faces coming through and a lot of new people as well ... there has been something for everyone ranging in price from $5 to $5000," she said.

They hoped more local people would get involved in the fair, which supported the Rotorua Hospice each year, she said.

The fair is held every Easter Weekend at the Rotorua Convention Centre to raise money for Hospice. "We just felt Hospice is a very worthy cause. Palliative care costs a lot of money," she said.

If you are a local antique dealer and would like to take part in the fair next year, contact Dianne, phone (021) 609-399.