25th Annual Doll Festival July 22-25

Presenting the internationally acclaimed 25th Annual NATIONAL DOLL FESTIVAL (NDF), JULY 22-25, Sunday through Wednesday. The location is the HILTON NEW ORLEANS RIVERSIDE HOTEL in the HILTON EXHIBITION CENTER (HEC), #2 Poydras Street, NEW ORLEANS, LA 70140. Show hours are as follows: EARLY BIRD PREVIEW SALE is SUNDAY, JULY 22, 2pm-5pm, GENERAL ADMISSION: SUNDAY 5-9, MONDAY 10-8, TUESDAY 10-5 & WEDNESDAY 10-9. Included in this fine gathering is the 25th edition of the NATIONAL ANTIQUE DOLL FESTIVAL (NDF) and premiere of the DOLL & BEAR ARTISTS SHOWCASE (DBAS). NDF features fine antique treasures in the realm of exquisite dolls, bears and toys, while DBAS will offer contemporary wares of talented doll and bear One Of A Kind (OOAK) artisans. Vendors from all over the country and across the globe present an unmatched array covering 250 exhibit tables and showcases. This extraordinary event will fill the Hilton Exhibition Center of the Hilton Hotel which is located at the Riverwalk on the Mississippi River near the French Quarter.
ADMISSION RATES: Early Bird Preview Sale Sunday from 2pm to 5pm, Admission is $50 per person, which is valid for all four days of the event. General Admission begins Sunday at 5pm. Multi-day admission is $30 per person, with a discount of $5 off with mention of this announcement or our ad. Single Day Admission is only $20. Club multi-day Admission of $20 is for members of the UFDC & ODACA national conventions, which meets nearby at the Sheraton Hotel.
In the doll world this magnificent exposition is renowned as the very best doll show in the USA, if not the world. Elegant, fine wares are offered by 100 internationally esteemed vendors from all over the United States, England, Germany, France, The Netherlands, New Zealand Canada, Russia & Australia. The show room will be overflowing with first class exhibits. This fabulous event always delivers on its promise to delight the aficionado, and overwhelm the novice. The finest antique, vintage and collectible Dolls, Teddy Bears & Toys of every possible description will be offered. Designers of original One of a kind Dolls & Teddy Bears, miniatures, clothing and accessories & Teddy Bears will offer their creations. Exhibitors also provide fabulous collectors editions of Barbie and fine Fashion dolls, fabulous antique doll houses, reference books, price guides, high quality, rare lace, ribbons, fabrics, glass eyes, mohair wigs. Expert restoration service and materials for repairs & parts will be available.
APPRAISAL CLINIC. A special feature of the show, is our Appraisal and identification Clinic. We invite the public (non dealers) to bring their antique or vintage heirloom dolls, Teddy Bears, toys and related items for appraisals. One free verbal appraisal is offered by highly qualified experts with no fee other than admission. Additional appraisals are $5 each.
CONSIGNMENT TABLES. We offer a consignment table for the public to sell quality family heirloom dolls, or items from their collections. We first offer them to our vendors, then if not sold, to have them placed on our Consignment tables. There is no fee to consign, but a 20% fee is charged if sold. Our vendors and patrons eagerly await these potential treasures. During one past event, we had three valuable complete collections brought in to be appraised, which were then consigned and sold for over $150,000. While in Atlanta one patron brought in, consigned and sold a pair of rare “Alabama” dolls for over $11,000.
NATIONAL DOLL FESTIVAL is an annual traveling spectacular doll event which began summer of 1988 in Anaheim, followed by 23 successful events in St. Louis, Missouri, Washington D.C. (2 events), New Orleans (3), San Francisco, Chicago (3), Atlanta(3), Philadelphia (3) Dallas (2), Kansas City, Denver & Las Vegas. Due to high quality, NDF continues to grow in size & prestige, earning a treasured reputation as the best of the best, as well as a wonderful, fun, family friendly event.
At a time when our economy has its problems, the National Doll Festival has maintained its strength bringing record breaking prices and high volume sales. Within our exhibits, prices will range from very modest to the rare & expensive. Record sales set at past events include an antique French doll for $135,000, $17,000 for an artist’s doll and $4,500 for one original artist Teddy Bear.
GUEST ROOMS are available at the Hilton Riverside Hotel and with a special NDF Rate of $129 for one king or two queen beds. Note this rate expires 6-16-12. Call the Hilton at either:1-800-445-8667 or 1-800-HILTONS.