This Tuesday will mark the last Parsippany, NJ PAL card show. If you're from New Jersey and are a collector, you have no doubt heard of this show, as it has been going on since, I believe, 1982. In its heyday, there were lines of people waiting to get in at 5 pm to get first crack at the dealers' wares, and some people are said to have bribed promoters to get in early. Local businesses would complain because of cars of people attending the card show would be taking up their parking spots.
Inside the show, there was fierce competiion to sell the latest released wax boxes and sets- many of which went back to local card stores which blanketed the state. I even saw a few dealer almost come to blows arguing over whatever price was being set for whatever product was just out.
In 2012, the show and the demise of the hobby was featured on CBS's Sunday Morning. A link to which is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSQ_MFc5UMY
I'm going to miss the show, as it is a mere 35 minutes from my house, and I have been able to really put a dent into sets I've been working on there over the last few years.
