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ROUND TOP, Texas – The Original Round Top Antiques Fair is still taking bookings but quickly filling for this year’s gathering of antiques dealers at The Big Red Barn, The Big Red Barn Tent, Continental Tent and Carmine Dance Hall.

Created more than 40 years ago The Original Round Top Antiques Fair has become a massive market located in the Brazos Hills about half way between Houston and Austin.

At first a good local show for area and weekend visitors, the Original Round Top Antiques Fair is now a national event recognized as the nucleus for more than 20 other antiques events.

“The response from the public has been so strong since we bought the shows five years ago we have now added an air conditioned Continental Tent, to accommodate the demand for continental antiques , and The Big Red Barn Tent for additional dealers who want to be here for the thousands of shoppers we attract twice each year,” Susan Franks, co-owner and manager of the mega-show, said.

In these tough economic times, dealers have found the Original Round Top Antiques Fair to be a great opportunity to sell to willing collectors, decorators and home owners.

Patty Walsh’s Historic 1773 Mayo Tavern Antiques is returning with Pre-Revolutionary home furnishings; Fred Cain of Fort Myers, Fla., with early American and Georgian furnishings will all be there. Antiques from all over the world with an emphasis on Americana and Continental home furnishings fill the Original Round Top Antiques Festival.

Many of the exhibiting dealers are nationally known including Bill and Kay Puchstein from Florida, Christopher English, West Palm Beach, Fla. and from Alabama, B. Hannah Daniel with her collection of early painted furniture from Pennsylvania.

The Big Red Barn is sold out with over 125 exhibiting dealers, Continental Tent accommodating another 75 and the Big Red Barn Tent holds 50 more, making shopping at...