The Fishersville Antiques Expo has been a semiannual event held at the Augusta Expo Event Center in Fishersville, Va., for over 37 years and 69 shows to date. This years spring show marks a significant milestone, the 70th edition of this enduring, widely known antiques show. It was originally known as the Shenandoah Antiques Expo; dealers and customers, not just in the Mid-Atlantic region but virtually all along the eastern seaboard and as far west as Texas, informally, and with few exceptions, referred to it simply as the Fishersville Show. When Lesley Stokes became co-owner of the show, she spearheaded the use of social media in the marketing of the show. She understood that often less is best for internet and social media searches. So, she suggested capitalizing on a shorter, simpler and familiar name, and the Fishersville Antiques Expo was born. While the evolution of the shows name is interesting, more important is what exists between the lines, the evolution of the show itself and the upcoming 70th edition of this show on Friday and Saturday, May 19 and 20. The promoters are dialed in to the changes in the trade, and unless a promoter is able to adapt, it is that much more of a challenge to run a worthwhile show. The Fishersville family encompasses the promoters, dealers and customers alike; mutual respect and willingness to share their knowledge is an integral aspect of the shows sustainability. Considering how fickle the antiques business is and how fast it changes, trying to determine whats in and whats not is no easy task for the dealers and show promoters. The Stokes family has managed the diversity of merchandise dealers bring admirably, and they consistently recruit new dealers whose inventory fits the show. They target recruiting toward current and emerging trends along with the classics, 18th- and 19th-century American and English period antiques plus vintage Americana, jewelry, silver, glassware, primitives, rugs and mid-century modern pieces. The results are reflected in every show: quality vendors with merchandise that matches the interests and tastes of a wide base of customers. A recent trend at Fishersville has been an uptick of higher-end dealers who have had successful shows over the past year. But every show has something for everyone. All showgoers enjoy the hunt. Some are merely looking for a new-to-them piece to redecorate a room. And for the lovers of the outdoors, its a chance to spend a day in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. The 70th Fishersville Antiques Expo will be held at the Augusta Expo Event Center, 277 Expo Road, Fishersville, Va., on Friday and Saturday, May 19 and 20. The hours on day one will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and day two from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $10 per person on the first day (early shopping and two-day pass) and $5 per person on second day. Tickets are sold at the gate, rain or shine. For further information, call Heritage Promotions at 804-239-0553.