The Latest Rickreall Doll Show

The Wagon Wheel Dollars once again put on a great doll show at the Polk County Fairgrounds in Rickreall, Oregon. We had planned to have a booth for this show, but when it looked as if we were going to be able to take a month’s vacation for the first time in years, we gave it a pass. Then, due to an exacerbation of my chronic asthma, it turned out that we were in town after all, and we got to at least attend.

One would think that the shows wouldn’t vary much, given that so many of the same vendors attend, but each one is unique. The items in most of the booths change from show to show, which keeps it interesting. The majority of the dolls and doll items on display this time were vintage, and factory, rather than handmade.

But we were happy to see some antiques and antique reproductions among them as well. I always love looking at their clothing. Some of the old things are poorly done and aren’t anything I’d care to have, but sometimes some really beautifully made garments show up.

I always enjoy looking at fabrics and especially at the beautiful old lace, and unfortunately for my pocketbook, I can rarely come away from those tables empty handed.

We were pleased to see Virginia and her husband with their beautiful Jazzbears there, as well as the cool doll stands, ironing boards, etc by Roy and Billie McElroy of B&B Productions. Roy added a very nice light box to his line of products this time that would be very handy to have.

There were a couple of ladies there with the cutest doll necklaces. We had seen them wearing their own necklaces at the last doll show in Portland, and everyone was commenting on them. They must have really worked hard to get a number of them made in time to get a table at this show and be ready to market their product under the name of “Wear A Doll”. I hope we see a lot more of them at upcoming shows.

This must have been the show for doll jewelry, because someone else had gone to a lot of work making some adorable doll pins.  Wouldn’t it be fun to have these for the ladies in your doll club?

A lot of you have stopped taking part in the doll shows because of the cost of the booths, the decline in attendance and sales, and the relative ease of selling via the internet. All very understandable reasons. But don’t miss out on the fun of attending and spending some time browsing through the booths. It’s fascinating seeing the things others have thought of and put together, and you’re bound to see something that will inspire you to try something new.