The first-ever Downtown Chic Fair on May 28 set out to expand Tucson’s vintage-loving community while highlighting downtown as a vibrant marketplace. Downtown Chic is set to become a monthly event.

A Perfect Pantry owner and creator of the fair, Amy Pike, got the idea from her friend who is a vintage and antique collector. With the help of her connections, and less than two weeks to organize, the fair was born.

“We thought, ‘What a great idea to bring everyone downtown and help and benefit the rebirth of downtown,’” said Pike.

More than 15 vendors set up in a U-shape formation, as rows of tables filled with items ranging from old cameras, bottles of all sizes, shapes and ages, to photos from the Civil War era.

“You name it, you can find it. There are no age barriers,” Pike said.

Despite a couple hiccups, such as having to set up outdoors instead of indoors, Pike said it was a learning curve.

Her goal is to make this the largest vintage fair in Southern Arizona.

“I think it (the fair) will bring people from all over Tucson, not just the surrounding areas,” said Pike. “We want to let people know that downtown is coming back.”

Terry and Debbie Forest, local vendors who were at the fair, said they’re hopeful that the fair will get bigger and better, despite the small turnout of both patrons and vendors.

Terry Forest said he feels that people are unaware of how much potential downtown holds.
“I just want to improve downtown and help the entire community get down here during the day,” said Forest.

Robert Grady, who considers himself an “all-around” treasure hunter, began his passion for antiques by buying a metal detector and just surveying different areas of town. This led him to start digging for bottles, which he’s done for more than 30 years.

The search for hidden treasures is what unites this community, while the possibility of holding an item that is a story within itself is what thrills them.

The next vintage fair is scheduled for Saturday, June 23 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the interior of the Old Pueblo Garage on Congress Street. The fairs following in July and August will be held at the same times but will coincide with the Second Saturday events.