Oaks Show question and pick-ups...

[Hankphenom]

I had a great time, and a good show. Attendance was VERY light, and the possible reasons have been mentioned. If Marco can fix that, this show will be on everyone's calendar from now on. If not, perhaps the time for a vintage card and memorabilia-focused show is over, and from now on they will always be combined with a major autograph lineup to make it work for the promoter, with most of the booths full of shiny stuff and supplies. I hope not. But except for a crowd, this show definitely demonstrated the potential to be a semi-annual meeting of the tribes of top vintage dealers, serious vintage buyers, and lots of interesting action between them. That anyone could have had a successful show given the sparse traffic is amazing, and yet from what I've heard so far, many did. The only explanation is that the people who were there were there to spend money, including the dealers.

Frank Prisco from Piedmont Cards and I bonded over our mutual love of old photos. John McDaniel told me some amazing stories, then disappeared into the twilight leaving my head spinning. We have much more to discuss, John. I did come across him later that day when I stumbled upon an excited crowd encircling Dan McKee's table. I walked over to see John covering the table with his collection of rare T-206 backs, the assemblage oohing and aahing with each new gem displayed. I got to meet Leon and thank him for all the entertainment his forum brings me. I haven't seen Mr. Mint in a while, and I forgot just what a creepy experience that's always been. So many old friends in the room, too many to mention but such a pleasure to spend a weekend with talking about the stuff we love. Speaking of Dan McKee, from now on I will always try to have something Walter for you just to see that fabulous smile spread across your face. Oh heck, maybe I'll just leave you the estate. Then the smile would never leave, would it? And Joe D, I had some things for you, too, but never saw your face. Were you really there?
All in all, fun weekend. And made some money, too. What's not to like? And a big thanks to Marco for trying this. Hope to see everybody again in New Jersey in June, there's bound to be more warm bodies at that one.
Hank Thomas