INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Generally when anything is referred to as “the first annual,” such an allusion grates on the senses of any fine grammarian. But, amateur antique show promoter Edward Alexander – fully cognizant of such grammatical traps – cogently makes his case.

“This show (The Great American Antique Market) is going to be the first of many,” he confidently says. “Shows like this are hard to find in Central Indiana. Our exhibitors have been wonderful, and the public response has been terrific.”

But first of all, Alexander wants to clarify that he is no show promoter. Rather, as Executive Director of That National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI, Indianapolis) he is tasked with managing all aspects of a not-for-profit grassroots organization offering education, support and advocacy on behalf of persons living with a mental illness, their family members and friends.

All proceeds from the Nov. 17-19 antique show will be used by NAMI to help an ever-growing base of clients requiring assistance with medical, legal, legislative and other issues within an ever-changing world.

At least 25 dealers, with the possible addition of more, will set up at the Monte Carlo Ball Room in the Caribbean Cove Hotel (formerly the Holiday Inn North) on the north side of Indianapolis. Parking will be free and easily available, at the hotel just off the I-465.

Dealers from throughout Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Michigan and Missouri will be offering a wide variety of wares – including silver, jewelry, textiles, furniture and more – at the market beginning at 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 18. There will also be a preview party on the evening of Nov. 17. Veteran broadcaster and author Howard Caldwell and his wife Lynn, both antique enthusiasts, will serve as Honorary Chairs of the event. Caldwell will also be available for autographs for his current book, The Golden Age of Indianapolis Theaters.

“As a collector and dealer of antiques, I am personally excited to have such a wide range of dealers, says event chair Keith Little of Little Events Catering. “Everything from textiles to furniture to silver will be available at the Great American Antique Market.”

During the three-day show, programs on collecting, appraisals and other topics will be presented.

The idea of a show traces its genesis to more than a year ago when Alexander, an antique collector himself, encountered a colleague at an antique show and lightheartedly talked of such a benefit show. Shortly afterward, they re-connected and the Great American Antique Market began its formation from nebulous beginnings into a new show. “We were – and still are – very much amateurs in this line of work,” Alexander admits. “But the dealers have been helpful and very kind in telling us what they needed to work with, and offered their advice.

“We’ve been working diligently for the past year, and with both sides working together, we’ve surpassed all our expectations.”

Alexander is donating antiques from his collection for sale at the NAMI booth, while others have chipped in to help.

The show was originally planned to be held in the hotel ball room only; however, it soon outgrew those parameters and moved on into the atrium area of the facility. Now, the Great American Antique Market will take up the entire first floor of the Caribbean Cove.

For more details, call 317-257-7517 or visit www.namiindy.org