Collectors to end lengthy hibernation

The Border City Collectors are set to present their full 2023 show and sale on a Saturday after cocooning for the past three years during the pandemic.

ple are starved after that big shutdown,” said Whiting.

“The interest is obviously still there. We used to do two-day shows, but I think the one-day shows go over pretty well.”

The general admission is just $5 or $15 for a family and kids 12 and under are free with proceeds going to the Barr Colony Museum Foundation and other local charities.

Visitors can win door prizes and browse or purchase everything from antiques and farm toys to dolls, and coins from exhibitors.

The revival show will take place March 11 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the renovated WLS Convention Centre to the delight of organizing committee member Don Whiting.

“I understand the entries are coming in good just like in the old days. We all think peo -

Whiting says exhibitors usually get a good bang for their buck, but it all depends on what they bring and what’s the current hot stuff to collect.

“Farm toys are still popular it seems. Of course, the antique world—I don’t know, something to do with that COVID shutdown—the antique world is hot, too,” mused Whiting.

As a collector himself, Whiting takes a shine to old things, especially vintage advertising and oil and gas pumps, and he took a shot at explaining what the attraction of collectibles is for him and others who attend the show.

“My theory is, it takes us back to a simpler time, and no matter where you are in life, it takes you back to an earlier time. Generally, earlier is simpler too,” said Whiting. There may not be any COVID collectibles on site, but it’s still a hot topic with the last 2020 show held a few days before everything shut down for good.

“The last one we just squeaked it in at the last minute. We still had pretty good attendance, but it certainly wasn’t what it should have been. People were starting to get scared,” recalled Whiting.