Lost creek garden and antique show

What: 12th annual Lost Creek Garden and Antique Show

When: Friday, June 11, 6 to 8:30 p.m.; Saturday, June 12, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: 1058 Knoop Road, two miles east of Troy off Ohio 41

Admission: $5

STAUNTON TOWNSHIP, Miami County — Deb DeCurtins once dreamed of promoting her art and antiques at the Cincinnati Garden Show, until she got “the bright idea” of starting a show in her own backyard.

That was a dozen years ago and the venue was her home, a 1820s brick structure on two acres near Lost Creek and the county park district’s Lost Creek Reserve.

She had just turned the dirt floor garage on the property into her frame and antique shop after installing a water garden, stonewall and split rail fence and restoring a barn.

DeCurtins invited antique dealer friends and local flower and plant vendors and brought in the Elizabeth Twp. Historical Society from nearby Elizabeth Twp.

“The day of the show, I had my daughter and friends helping ... it rained but the people came and bought. They said they loved it and thanked me for having the show,” DeCurtins recalled.

She’s continued the spring show annually, with the continuing help of her children and friends.

Many of the original vendors still participate and each year a few more people are added.

“I have a vision how I would like the show to look and feel. If I meet or see someone who has things I like, I will approach them,” she said.

“The vendors do a fabulous job turning this little patch of ground into a magical place. I am always thrilled and amazed.”

Throughout the years, the show has become a part of her life, always in the back of her mind, DeCurtins said.

In addition to her Acorn Studio custom framing and interior design business, she has worked as the curator of the Overfield Tavern Museum in Troy.

During the past two years, she has worked part-time in the park district’s education department.