October 18, 2005 > Bay Area Military antique show

by Lance Dwyer

On Saturday October 22, the Bay Area will once again be afforded the opportunity to experience "living history" as told through authentic military clothing, hardware and art.

Antique experts and military history enthusiasts will come from as far as Arizona to showcase their collections at the semi-annual Bay Area Military antique show (BAM).

After the show received its highest attendance ever last spring, BAM show promoter and co-founder Mark Hull hopes the community will continue to embrace the significance the show represents.

"What's really kind of sad is that you have a lot of the older generation passing away and they take part of history away with them," said Hull. "We're trying to keep alive those important moments."

The fall BAM show will contain all of the elements that made its previous six successful, including flags dating back hundreds of years, weapons used during World War I and dozens of historians excited to share the fascinating stories contained in their collections.

The show gives you "an opportunity to talk to an interesting group of folks that have fascinating stories to tell and enjoy telling them," said Hull. "Half of them say that the reason why they collect is because there's a story behind them, rather than being concerned with the actual value of what they're collecting."

Hull founded the BAM antique show along with Ed Anderson three years ago after a show in Southern California was discontinued. Since its first show, attendance has grown steadily reaching a height of more than 440 in April.

Hull said the show, which he refers to as an "interactive museum" has something for everyone and appeals to all ages.

For all questions and inquiries regarding the BAM show please call Mark Hull at (510) 728-0605

Bay Area Military antique show
October 22
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Centennial Hall
22292 Foothill Blvd. Hayward
(510) 728-0605