We’re lucky to live in the Bay Area, where antiques fairs, collectibles events, garden tours and Mother’s Day teas are among the special events of the season. Here are some of my favorites coming up.

Goat Hill Fair: Described by two magazines as the “Best in the West,” Goat Hill Fair is an antique and artisan show well known to collectors near and far. The next jamboree takes place May 19-20.

There will be many treasures to be found at the Goat Hill Fair May 19-20. (Photos courtesy of Shari Delgado Nicsevic)



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At the semi-annual expo, producer Cyndi Garofalo and her team meld a winning group of 100 merchants with artfully displayed merchandise. Ogle architectural elements, garden statuary, home furnishings of many kinds, kitchenalia, Americana, repurposed goods and artifacts that are known as styles “atomic rust” or “industrial chic.” You will find merchandise spread across three roomy buildings.

Culinary delights will include pies from Gizdich Ranch, salads, sandwiches, and the famous “turkey in a boat.” Patrons may rest and eyeball their new treasures in an area reserved adjacent to a packed gift store.

Details: The fun is at the Santa Cruz Fairgrounds, 2601 East Lake Ave., Watsonville, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. May 19 and 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. May 20. Admission is $10. “Early goats” can shop 8:30 a.m.-10 a.m. May 19. Admission for that is $25. ATM’s on site. Parking is free. No pets allowed. For more info: 408-221-5054, or www.goathillfair.com.

Mother’s Day tea: Treat mom to a Tea and Tour at the Ainsley House in Campbell May 11-12.

The historic property will be open Mother’s Day weekend for a tour of the well-appointed,1925 Tudor Revival home. The delicious meal will consist of sandwiches, desserts, champagne, cider and a tea blend especially brewed for the occasion. The excitement will include a daily raffle. The event is sponsored by Campbell Historical Museum and Ainsley House Foundation to aid ongoing projects.

Details: May 11 and 12, noon, 300 Grant St., Campbell. Admission is $45 for members, $50 for non-members. Make reservations by calling Laura Moore: (408 460-7048, or go to www.campbellmuseums.

Fun in Tracy: The Vintage and Antique Street Faire held in downtown Tracy sponsored by Owl Box Antiques and Tracy City Center Association will happen on May 12.

There will be more than 30 antiques, collectible and craft vendors. Dine at tea and coffee shops, trendy restaurants and food trucks. Take in the farmer’s market and chalk painting demos. There will be a barber shop quartet and other live guitar music.

Details: May 12, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., 10th and A streets, Admission and parking are free. For more info, call (209) 830-0796.

Saratoga bash: The Saratoga Historical Foundation’s benefit at Old Grandview Ranch, the French-Norman Revival style 22-acre lavish estate of Dr. W. Donald Head, will take place May 19. It’s a chance to see a major art collection and a gorgeous home while assisting a worthy cause.

Visitors to this mouth-dropping property will see a trio of art galleries housing one of the most magnificent privately held collections in the West, renowned sculpture garden and much more. Light refreshments will be served.

Sponsors who donate $2,500 will be invited to a private reception at 3 p.m. inside the home. Tickets include food and wine from the Michelin-rated Plumed Horse Restaurant and an interview of Dr. Head by NBC morning anchor Laura Garcia.

Details: May 19, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Transportation to the estate leaves from Saratoga High School, 20300 Herriman Ave., Saratoga. Tickets are $200 per person. Guest names will be placed on a reservation list. For more information call (408) 867-4311, or go to www.saratogahistory.com.

East Bay shindig: The Pleasanton Antiques and Collectibles Faire takes place May 27. It’s a preview of outdoor shows that will occur in our region over the next few months.

Hundreds of merchants will gather on Main Street in Pleasanton hawking furniture, jewelry, vintage clothing, paintings and prints, china, dolls, toys, glass, photos, silver, clocks, books and old ads.

You can have a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants nearby, or, like a host of veteran fans, indulge in a sausage sandwich from the Lockeford Meats food truck.

I’ll be on hand 10 a.m .- 1 p.m. for appraisals of family keepsakes or tag sale discovery. Precious jewelry, coins, stamps and military not evaluated. One item per person. I will be under the tent near the information booth, corner of Main and Division streets.

Details: Pleasanton is off I-680. Take the Bernal Avenue exit and watch for signs to downtown. Show hours are 8 a.m .- 4 p.m. Admission, parking and evaluations are free. Dogs welcome. For more information, call (510) 972-0613 or go to www.pleasantonantiquefair.com.