Saturday, November 11, 2023, IBEW Local 364, Rockford, IL
Rough week health-wise prior to the show. My health issues just keep mounting. I am seeing a lot of doctors and taking a lot of meds -- the end result is I feel like crap. I was not sure I was going to make it to the show because I had a really rough day on Friday. I am so glad I was able to peel myself out of bed and make it out to Rockford because I had a really nice day. There is nothing like a card show to cure what ails ya!
My bladder got me up at 5 a.m. I tried to fall back asleep on the couch but just could not do it. I finally got myself up around 6 a.m. After grumping, showering then loading the car, I was on the road to Rockford around 7:10 a.m. About 10 blocks from home, I luckily realized I forgot to grab the keys to my display cases, so I had to turn around and head back home. I was on the road again around 7:20 a.m.
Relatively easy drive. I arrived at the Union Hall around 8:20 a.m. I thought I was late but most dealers were just loading in. Easy load in. Superstar promoters John and Mike placed me in-between Dennis and Tom. Next to Dennis was Gary. Behind me was Nelson and his wife Pam, who I was happy to meet for the first time.
Prior to the show, I had hoped to reload my 1955 Topps baseball binder but I just felt lousy all week and did not get it done. So I decided to forgo the binders and bring out eight display cases. I have been slowly working on pricing cards for the display cases and had a nice new pile of stuff for the Rockford show.
I was slow setting up and did not finish until 9:30 a.m. The slow set up did not matter because I don't think I had my first sale until 10:30 a.m., even though the show was well attended. One of the two Terrys that attends this show was my first and best customer today. He completed his 1962 Post set, thanks to me. Thanks for the purchases Terry!
One of my Rockford regulars purchased my 1957 Topps Bill Mazeroski rookie. It is always great to see Jim, who purchased some cards. A new customer purchased quite a few cards including my 1968 Topps Ernie Banks that is in beautiful shape. I had quite a few new customers today which is always great. Second Terry and I did a cash trade deal. Thanks Second Terry!
Not much in the way of buying today which was fine because I needed cash on hand for a collection I was planning on purchasing in Wisconsin the next day.
I had a real nice day in Rockford chatting with everyone who came to my tables and chatting with all of the other dealers set up around me. It was nice to get out of the house and forget about my ailments for a day.
I decided to take the scenic route home and forego the highway. It is a really unpleasant drive on the highway heading east from Rockford into the Chicago area. The scenic way is great, except for a few numbnuts that had to tailgate me in the middle of nowhere.
I did not have any shows scheduled for the next day, Sunday, which brings up a topic of discussion at the Rockford show. We all noticed that there are quite a few new shows in Wisconsin and Illinois. The problem, we all agree upon, is that these new show promoters do not take into consideration that there are other nearby shows already scheduled while other dates remain open. As a dealer, I am always looking for shows to set up at. It is so frustrating when I see multiple shows on the same day while other days have none.
While I did not have any shows scheduled for Sunday, I did make plans to meet up and purchase a collection at a show in Appleton, Wisconsin, at the Fox Cities Stadium, home of the Timber Rattlers minor league baseball team. I saw this show advertised on the Wisconsin Sports Collectors Association's Facebook page. I considered calling for tables but I like to see a little more advertising for a show than just a post of the WSCA's page before I commit to setting up. Also, the post did not give an address. I am amazed at how many posts I see for shows that do not bother to list an address.
I had hoped to get to the show in the morning to check it out before making my purchase but I just could not get out of bed. I also thought Appleton was much closer to home than it actually is. It took me three hours to the get there! Part of the problem is that my ailments and meds cause me to have to pee often, so I had to stop several times on the way.
I arrived at the show around 2 p.m. when it was wrapping up. I recognized quite a few of the dealers and I thought the space was awesome. The show is held in a large barroom with huge windows overlooking the baseball field. Cool place! I definitely want to set up here in the future but I can't find any info on the show. Anyone know when the next show is at this Fox Cities Stadium in Appleton?
Anyway, it was worth the drive because I picked up 1974, 1975 and 1976 Topps baseball sets. I now have three '75 sets. I almost picked up a fourth in Oak Creek but the price was just too high for the condition. I've got one of the '75 sets currently up on eBay. I may bring one out to the Sports Spectacular this weekend.
Speaking of the Sports Spectacular this weekend, I will be setting up in Booth 338 near the concession stand. PJ will be set up next to me. Nelson is also in our row. I am bringing out display cases and have been pricing cards like mad. I should have some good stuff!
The next Rockford show is January 13, 2024. The final Oak Creek show of 2023 is coming up on December 2. I am sold out of dealer tables and it should be another great show. I've booked the Salvation Army for the first Saturday of every month in 2024. I am taking dealer names for my wait list.
A big thank you to John and Mike for putting on another great show in Rockford. Also, a big thank you to everyone who purchased cards from me in Rockford and to those that stopped by to chat. It was a really nice day. I can't wait for the next one!
Rough week health-wise prior to the show. My health issues just keep mounting. I am seeing a lot of doctors and taking a lot of meds -- the end result is I feel like crap. I was not sure I was going to make it to the show because I had a really rough day on Friday. I am so glad I was able to peel myself out of bed and make it out to Rockford because I had a really nice day. There is nothing like a card show to cure what ails ya!
My bladder got me up at 5 a.m. I tried to fall back asleep on the couch but just could not do it. I finally got myself up around 6 a.m. After grumping, showering then loading the car, I was on the road to Rockford around 7:10 a.m. About 10 blocks from home, I luckily realized I forgot to grab the keys to my display cases, so I had to turn around and head back home. I was on the road again around 7:20 a.m.
Relatively easy drive. I arrived at the Union Hall around 8:20 a.m. I thought I was late but most dealers were just loading in. Easy load in. Superstar promoters John and Mike placed me in-between Dennis and Tom. Next to Dennis was Gary. Behind me was Nelson and his wife Pam, who I was happy to meet for the first time.
Prior to the show, I had hoped to reload my 1955 Topps baseball binder but I just felt lousy all week and did not get it done. So I decided to forgo the binders and bring out eight display cases. I have been slowly working on pricing cards for the display cases and had a nice new pile of stuff for the Rockford show.
I was slow setting up and did not finish until 9:30 a.m. The slow set up did not matter because I don't think I had my first sale until 10:30 a.m., even though the show was well attended. One of the two Terrys that attends this show was my first and best customer today. He completed his 1962 Post set, thanks to me. Thanks for the purchases Terry!
One of my Rockford regulars purchased my 1957 Topps Bill Mazeroski rookie. It is always great to see Jim, who purchased some cards. A new customer purchased quite a few cards including my 1968 Topps Ernie Banks that is in beautiful shape. I had quite a few new customers today which is always great. Second Terry and I did a cash trade deal. Thanks Second Terry!
Not much in the way of buying today which was fine because I needed cash on hand for a collection I was planning on purchasing in Wisconsin the next day.
I had a real nice day in Rockford chatting with everyone who came to my tables and chatting with all of the other dealers set up around me. It was nice to get out of the house and forget about my ailments for a day.
I decided to take the scenic route home and forego the highway. It is a really unpleasant drive on the highway heading east from Rockford into the Chicago area. The scenic way is great, except for a few numbnuts that had to tailgate me in the middle of nowhere.
I did not have any shows scheduled for the next day, Sunday, which brings up a topic of discussion at the Rockford show. We all noticed that there are quite a few new shows in Wisconsin and Illinois. The problem, we all agree upon, is that these new show promoters do not take into consideration that there are other nearby shows already scheduled while other dates remain open. As a dealer, I am always looking for shows to set up at. It is so frustrating when I see multiple shows on the same day while other days have none.
While I did not have any shows scheduled for Sunday, I did make plans to meet up and purchase a collection at a show in Appleton, Wisconsin, at the Fox Cities Stadium, home of the Timber Rattlers minor league baseball team. I saw this show advertised on the Wisconsin Sports Collectors Association's Facebook page. I considered calling for tables but I like to see a little more advertising for a show than just a post of the WSCA's page before I commit to setting up. Also, the post did not give an address. I am amazed at how many posts I see for shows that do not bother to list an address.
I had hoped to get to the show in the morning to check it out before making my purchase but I just could not get out of bed. I also thought Appleton was much closer to home than it actually is. It took me three hours to the get there! Part of the problem is that my ailments and meds cause me to have to pee often, so I had to stop several times on the way.
I arrived at the show around 2 p.m. when it was wrapping up. I recognized quite a few of the dealers and I thought the space was awesome. The show is held in a large barroom with huge windows overlooking the baseball field. Cool place! I definitely want to set up here in the future but I can't find any info on the show. Anyone know when the next show is at this Fox Cities Stadium in Appleton?
Anyway, it was worth the drive because I picked up 1974, 1975 and 1976 Topps baseball sets. I now have three '75 sets. I almost picked up a fourth in Oak Creek but the price was just too high for the condition. I've got one of the '75 sets currently up on eBay. I may bring one out to the Sports Spectacular this weekend.
Speaking of the Sports Spectacular this weekend, I will be setting up in Booth 338 near the concession stand. PJ will be set up next to me. Nelson is also in our row. I am bringing out display cases and have been pricing cards like mad. I should have some good stuff!
The next Rockford show is January 13, 2024. The final Oak Creek show of 2023 is coming up on December 2. I am sold out of dealer tables and it should be another great show. I've booked the Salvation Army for the first Saturday of every month in 2024. I am taking dealer names for my wait list.
A big thank you to John and Mike for putting on another great show in Rockford. Also, a big thank you to everyone who purchased cards from me in Rockford and to those that stopped by to chat. It was a really nice day. I can't wait for the next one!
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