Inspiring Conversations with Jon Jenkins of The Nashville Show – Antiques, Art & Vintage

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jon Jenkins.

Hi Jon, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I got started the old-fashioned way- nepotism. My father was an antique dealer who had participated in the antique shows around the Opryland Area way back in the mid-’80s. Due to a paperwork mistake, he lost his space in a show and couldn’t get in so he decided to start his own show- The Tailgate Antique Show.

It was held at the Fiddlers Inn on Music Valley Drive and dealers actually used the motel rooms to display antiques. It was a carnival-like atmosphere and sales were amazing. The buying teams from Ralph Lauren would fill tractor-trailers full of merchandise for their stores around the world as well as other designers from all over the country.

Of course, being Nashville there was always a smattering of Country Stars shopping as well. I came into the family business after getting out of college and took over the show in 2009 as my father retired. It settled in at the Fairgrounds in 2007.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, it hasn’t but the bumps make for great stories. We have been in hotels, tents, motels, conference halls, the Music City Center during Covid, and for the most part at the Fairgrounds since 2007. One year we were in a 360′ by 120′ tent that had a portable floor, heat, walled booths, and electricity for all the vendors.

We had used this for several years, but unknown to us, the Metro Council had passed a zoning change that made what we did not permissible. We didn’t find out until after the tent was up and full of antiques. The City slapped a cease and desist order on it in the middle of the show.

Luckily, we managed to get the show in and were forced to find a new venue.

We’ve been impressed with The Nashville Show- Antiques, Art & Vintage, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
In addition to the Nashville Show, we also produce the Springfield Antique Show and Flea Market in Springfield, Ohio. Both shows are well known nationally and often have an international draw as well.

Although there are differences between the shows, both are mentioned as among the best of each show in the United States. We are proud of our events and our roster of vendors.

We strive to make sure whether our attendees are first-time showgoers, advanced collectors, or design-based buyers, there is something there for them.

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Our show is normally the third weekend in February- in 2023 it is February 16-18.

In addition, we will be launching a new event in 2023. The Nashville Vintage Clothing and Jewelry Show will be held in conjunction with the Nashville Show at the Fairgrounds.

Pricing:

• $30 for Early Bird Admission Thursday Morning 8 a.m. to noon
• General Daily Admission- $15 noon Thursday thru Saturday

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.jenkinsandco.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenashvilleshow
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Tailgateshow