Khristi Zimmeth: Trash or Treasure?

Get ready for antique season -- it starts now

Spring brings sunshine, flowers, longer days and -- perhaps most importantly to collectors -- a new crop of antique shows. After a long winter, I'm looking forward to the upcoming shows. Money may be tight, but there's nothing like a vintage treasure -- even one that costs just a few dollars -- to lift your spirits after a long winter. Here are a few on the near horizon.

This weekend: Mason Area Historical Society Antique Show. Now in its fifth year, this event has the benefit of being held at Cobblestone Village Events Center. With glass, silver, pottery, toys, and more. Admission is $3. Call (517) 244-0620.

February 27-March 1: Southfield Pavilion Antiques Exposition. More than 75 dealers converge at Evergreen Road and Civic Center Drive in Southfield with a diverse selection of American, European, Asian and decorative arts. Call (586) 465-9441.

March 7: Brighton Antique Show, Old Hartland High School, Howell. More than 50 dealers and new wider aisles make it easier than ever to bag a bargain. $3 admission. Call (586) 214-3784.

• Grand Haven Antique Show and Sale. The Grand Haven sale at St. Patrick's Center will be 9 a.m.-5 p.m., with a variety of local dealers. Admission is $4 or the equivalent in pantry items, which will be donated to charity. Call (616) 997-5814.

• 18th annual Antique Show and Sale. Valley Lutheran High School hosts the eagerly anticipated event, which will feature military, jewelry, furniture, toys, art and more. The $3 admission includes two verbal appraisals. Call (989) 642-5002.

• Cabin Fever 2009 Flea Market and Antique Show. Proceeds from the Flea Market and Antique show at the Jackson Fairgrounds benefit the visually impaired. The event features a wide variety of goodies, some antique, some not. $2 admission covers both days. Call (517) 784-7750.

March 14: Bloomfield Hills Jewelry and Vintage Apparel Show. The tempting twice-yearly event held at the Birmingham Unitarian Church brings back the vintage bling, with antique jewelry, costume collectibles and apparel. Call (248) 646-1047.

March 14-15: Antique Show. The Barry Expo Center 20 minutes south of Grand Rapids kicks off the West Michigan antiques calendar. Many of the dealers from the Allegan antiques shows participate. Call (616) 735-3333.

March 28: 18th annual Promise of Spring Antique Show, Breckenridge, Mich. If the name doesn't get you in the door, the primitives, country collectibles, Americana and other home and garden antiques will. A bit of a road trip -- Breckenridge is between Alma and Saginaw -- but worth the drive. The show is held at the Breckenridge Elementary school. Contact (989) 855-0087.

March 29: Michigan Antiquarian Book & Paper Show, East Lansing. At 50 years old, this show must be doing something right. More than 250 tables filled with more than a million maps, magazines, sheet music, children's books, postcards and more are guaranteed to please. Sponsored by the Mid-Michigan Antiquarian Book Dealers, it's held at the Lansing Center. Call (517) 332-0112.

Do you have an object that you'd like to know more about? Send a photo and a description that includes how you acquired the object to: The Detroit News, Trash or Treasure/Homestyle, 615 W. Lafayette Blvd., Detroit, MI 48226. Include your name and a daytime phone number. You may also e-mail your photo and description to trashortreas@aol.com. If chosen, you'll need to bring the item in for appraisal. Photos cannot be returned.