Everything from antique chiffarobes and Depression-era glass vases to decorated koozies and smoked turkey legs were up for grabs at the Slidell Historic District Antique Street Fair held this past weekend.

With beautiful sunny skies and a cool breeze the streets in Olde Towne were packed with shoppers looking for great deals and unique items.

Vendors were very pleased with this year’s turnout. Angela Williams, who was there selling her homemade dresses and children’s clothing items said sales were “great.” This was her third year in the show, and while she said this is not one of the biggest shows she participates in annually, the Slidell Antique Fair always has a good turn out of eager shoppers looking for the personalized items she peddles.

Richard Scott carves a gumbo paddle, one of the many hand-crafted items he had for sale at the fair. (Staff Photo by Suzanne Le Breton)

Richard Scott, who hails from Covington, was on hand carving out gumbo paddles and wooden spoons.

He said the turn out this year was “very good.”

“I’ve enjoyed it a lot,” he said Sunday afternoon. “I’ve met a lot of nice folks.”

Eugene Fourcade was trying to sell some male mannequins and he put a World Was II U.S. Marine uniform on one and attracted men who swapped war stories while their wives shopped.

While sponsored by the city, the fair is put on by the Slidell Antique Association.

Lou Ann Johnson, president of the association, said this year’s turn out was the best the fair has seen since Hurricane Katrina.

This was the 28th year the street fair has been held, and there were 115 vendors selling food, drink, and antiques and craft items. There were also seven specialty shops participating with booths. But most importantly, Johnson said, “people were buying.”

Johnny Wendt, who was selling various articles of memorabilia, said a customer bought $500 worth of sports cards from him Saturday.

That sale alone, he said, made it worth his while participating in the fair.

If you missed the Slidell Antique District Street Fair last weekend, do not despair. The fair is held twice a year, and the streets of Olde Towne will be crowded with antique vendors again April 17 and 18.