A Card Show 30 Years In The Making

Hope you have your coffee ready today, because I do.

If you read this blog title and no you didn't read it wrong, I was able to go to a card show. And yes, it was the first time in 30 years of doing so.

*sips cheerfully*

Locally, there are no LCS'. There are no card shows. And that's the way it has been for 30 years.

But, this past week, I kept getting a Facebook ad for a Card Show that was about 45 minutes from my house. I spent the week debating on whether I was going to go or not because I knew my sister-in-law was coming up from Mass and didn't want to lose out on family time.

However, when I mentioned said card show to her, she actually jumped in on going with my nephew since they both partially collect Pokemon and we went in the pouring rain.

The building wasn't too hard to find as it was right off the exit north of where I live, it was held at the usual Elks Club where I think most small shows are held everywhere.

I had no idea what to expect and how card shows even were ran in today's times. I also knew I had a very tight, small budget to work with so was hoping to find some dollar bins or dime bins and load up like I see other bloggers accomplish.

I did know that admission was $10 per adult. Far cry from the $3 it used to be in the 90's where your admission also counted as a raffle ticket, and you could win hourly prizes. This one was just paying the $10 and you are in.

Not sure if all card shows charge or not but I felt that was a little steep. 

I felt like a rookie right off the bat.

I walked past the check-in table and was greeted by the room and took a quick walk around to take pictures before going back to the beginning to start "my business".

There were roughly 25 tables set up with a variety of sports cards, Pokemon cards, memorabilia, products, coins, and even a gaming table.

Now it was time for me to go attack the room.

I didn't have anything specific I was chasing but was taking a look at everything I could at the tables that attracted me.

The first table had stuff I jumped on immediately. One-dollar 90's packs, but the guy threw in a ton of free ones since his son opened the tops of them.

 

He also had this Terrell Davis in a box I couldn't say no to. Rest of the box was boring, overpriced stuff.

The card I really hated no to at his table was one he whipped out of his safe. A Leaf trio autograph that had Phil Simms, Eli Manning and YA Tittle numbered to 2. But, I don't have that kind of money.

I hit up a few more tables and looked through their stuff but hitting a dry spell. I saw Eli Mannings I already had, a hockey table, a Wrestling table, a vintage table, a Pokemon/TCG table but no other 90's related inserts or anything that I really needed.

Then I came upon a table in my last row of tables to search where a guy had a stack of Donruss Rookie Sweater cards. I was able to wheel and deal and fill in some set needs.

Of course, he didn't have any values on these, so he had to whip out his phone for "comps". Last time I went to a card show guys were whipping out their Becketts.

He also had an Eli Manning relic card I wasn't sure if I had. But it was Super Bowl related, so I added it to the stack anyways.

It's still a nice-looking card.

The next table was where the real magic happened.

They had a box with 90's inserts sorted by player, and I went to town.

(pretty cool error card)

And fortunately, the guy cut me a pretty good deal on them all. Like less than $1 each. I haven't done my research to see how "rare" any of these are yet, but I will. I think I fared well with his table and that one alone was worth me taking the trip.

Finally, I hit up one last table which had a Malik Nabers I didn't have.

Come to find out, the seller was the guy running the show and he also is starting a card shop up in his Cigar Shop. He is moving away from tobacco and moving onto cards. That's kind of cool. An LCS! But, it's still 45 minutes away and I don't head north too often, a few times a year, so maybe when I do, I will swing in. He also mentioned having more of these card shows so maybe I will get to go to another. Just hopefully with more funds.

Overall, I spent two hours there searching through everything, talking to people and not spending too much. It was a little overwhelming at first getting into a groove of digging through others card collections, just felt odd picking them up and looking at them, but I had a great time and some fun conversations. 

Before I close up today's post, here are some other things of note.

1. Kids were buying, selling and trading.
2. There was no wax. No packs, boxes, mega boxes of any kind other than those 90's packs above. I was shocked by this. I expected the flippers.
3. Lots of overpriced cards and I avoided the three tables that had them. I am not paying $10 for a base Mosaic Malik Nabers card or a 90's insert of Brett Favre for $40 that goes on eBay for $3.
4. Lots of good mix of new and old cards and sports and gaming.
5. There were no nickel, dime and dollar boxes
6. No non-sport cards at all
7. It didn't appear a lot of sellers were actually selling
8. There weren't a lot of people, but a decent small crowd
9. Everything was done by comps
10. Lots of friendly sellers giving cards away to kids which was great to see.
11. There were no Ken Griffey Jr cards. One guy bought out the show (I should have gotten there earlier!)
12. When I interviewed most sellers, most got into the hobby in the last five years. Interesting to think especially since most were about my age.

Let me know about how your card shows go in comparison. I would love to hear in comments to see if there is anything similar.

Thanks for reading my recap with your cup of coffee (or beverage of your choice).

Have a great first day of May.

Don't forget you can start to nominate cards for the 2025 Coffee Card Hall Of Fame!! Cards don't have to be autographs, patch cards, super star cards. It can be whatever you think is Hall Worthy! Find details and current nominations HERE.

*Coffee Card Blogger Out*