Midwest Card Shows?

[ILTBOC2]

I've mainly been an "Internet Collector" for the past 12 years or so. In that time I've discovered the joy of online auctions and online retail sellers of our beloved cards. However, I'm getting that itch to actually make it to a few shows and talk to people face to face. I'm located in the midwest so would mainly be looking at St. Louis, Kansas City, Omaha, Minneapolis, and Chicago (or any cities within that radius) as my destinations of choice as they are all easily driveable. Getting to shows on the east coast, south, or west coast aren't doable for me at this time.

Are there any good sites that provide information on upcoming shows around the midwest? If I'm going to drive somewhere for a show, I'd prefer it be a bit larger and traditionally have a larger pre-war offering (to make the best use of my time). Are there any shows like this that some of you are yearly partakers of?

On the flip side.... would you consider shows a dying breed and just stick with internet purchases?

Thanks!
Andy

[Stonepony]

stlsportscollectors.com list dates, times for shows in STL. Shows nearly monthly and are pretty good small shows

[ValKehl]

I suggest you go to the National at least once - you won't regret doing this. The 2013 National was held in Chicago, and it is held in Chicago on a regular basis. The 2014 National will be held in Cleveland, which may work for you.
Val

[ILTBOC2]

Thank you both for the suggestions! The St. Louis site looks promising with the calendar and the National sounds like it may be doable!

[Tony Gordon]

Next to the National, the Sun-Times show in Rosemont, IL, will have the largest selection of pre-War in the Midwest. The next Sun-Times show is in March of 2014. Monster Cards, a dealer at the monthly St. Louis Sports Collectors shows, has a tremendous selection of pre-War. You'll find a smattering of pre-War at the Orland Park, IL, Gonzaga (Milwaukee), Serb Hall (Milwaukee), Nutter Center (Dayton) and the Canton shows. I've never made it to the Moeller shows in Cincinnati or the Columbus, OH, shows where there may be good selections of pre-War. I pick out the shows I'm going to attend via the show calendar on beckett.com. There are a TON of shows in the Midwest. I am able to hit one within an hour drive from my house every single weekend. Card shows are alive and well in this part of the country.

[cardsfan73]

I go to the St. Louis shows from time to time.. Pretty good little show!

Monster Cards does set up at most the St. Louis shows and has a great selection of pre-war and Topps/Bowman stuff. Super nice guy and great to deal with.

[Koufax32fan]

One more shout out for Tony at Monster Cards. He has helped me with many, many cards for my collection and has always treated me fairly. And, he is great with my young son and has treated him well over the years.

St. Louis also has several 3 day shows a year that attracts different dealers than the monthly shows.