I was thinking of creating a show thread recently. In my travels, I cover much of the East Coast, but I'm always interested in learning about good shows elsewhere in case the opportunity for visiting arises.
For anyone interested, here is my breakdown of the best shows along the Eastern seaboard, from north to south:
Maine- The only one I've been to was in Saco. It was okay, but most of the dealers there I had seen previously in NH and MA.
New Hampshire- By far the best show is in Dover at the Elks Club every month (except in the summer). I always find stuff there, and I appreciate the fact that things start early. You can arrive at 7:30 and find business being transacted.
Vermont- I've never been to a show in Vermont.
Massachusetts- The November Shriners Auditorium show in Wilmington is one of the most important shows in the country, this side of the National. The fact that Boston teams have been so successful over the last 20 years has only amplified the show's popularity.
Rhode Island- The only show of note is the Cranston show. Now held at Coventry High School, there is a nice mix of old-timers and prospect hunters/flippers. I've only had moderate success finding stuff that I needed (I collect baseball inserts 1990-2015), but the tradition of the show and overall karma make it worthwhile.
Connecticut- I don't know why, but the Nutmeg State does not generate good shows. The best of a mediocre lot is in Enfield at the American Legion hall. I once got several items signed by Mickey Mantle in Connecticut for $5 each. But alas- that was in Cos Cob in 1978.
New York- I have pretty much stopped going to any show held at the Westchester County Center in White Plains. I resent the charge for parking, the high price for admission, and the jammed dealer tables which make it very hard to shop. When the promoter does shows at Hofstra University on Long Island, it's a much more pleasant experience. I've been to some other pretty good shows- one at the Red Lion Hotel in Albany and one at the State Fairgrounds in Syracuse.
New Jersey- My home sweet home, but another state that can't seem to generate a really good show. And over the course of time, many promoters have tried. Even the Nationals held in Atlantic City have been met with mixed emotions by dealers and collectors. There are two (roughly) bi-weekly shows held in Bordentown and Garfield on Sunday, often the same Sunday. Flip a coin, neither is great, but if you catch the right dealer after he's bought the right collection, you could do well.
Pennsylvania- The Philly Show was THE show for many years. It's not what it was, but it's still pretty good. I never loved the basement of the Valley Forge Casino, but it serves its purpose. If you never attended the show's predecessors (Willow Grove especially), you missed out on the excitement and flurry of activity that came twice a year.
Delaware- Once a month, there is a nice little show, now held in Wilmington at the Millcreek Fire Hall. I've seen some guys set up for 10 minutes only to have other dealers buy their entire inventory. Some months are better than others, but that could be said for a lot of shows, I suppose.
Maryland- The Monsignor Slade Catholic School in Glen Burnie plays host to a monthly show. A nice variety of vintage and new stuff. And I love the dedication of Orioles fans, despite the team's last few seasons. Also- this show seems to have a couple of niche specialties- bobbleheads and pocket schedules.
Virginia- Begins and ends with the Chantilly show at the Dulles Expo Hall. Big name guests and lots of support from fans from north and south. A few promoters run smaller shows scattered about the state- but Chantilly is one of the biggest in the country.
There you have it- feel free to let me know if there any beyond this area that I should attend if I'm trying to collect baseball inserts sets (1990-2015) and buyback sets from 2008-present. I love travelling around and finding new inventory to look through.
