[mordecaibrown]

I went to the Oaks Show in March and have been to the last 3-4 Valley Forge shows (including the one this past weekend). This past Valley Forge show definitely felt like more of a card show and less of an autograph show, the previous shows were the opposite. Oaks show in March felt like a card show with some autograph guests.

I definitely felt that there were more people at this past Valley Forge show compared to Oaks; however, I believe a major reason for this is that the Oaks show is not advertised as well. I live in the area and always see ads for the Valley Forge show and never saw anything concerning the Oaks show (found out through word of mouth from another collector at last minute). Speaking with other collectors who attended both shows - they seemed to enjoy the setting and layout at the Oaks show much better (me included) - more open space, better parking, etc.

Also, after speaking with some dealers, they mentioned that the table costs at the Oaks show were about half the Valley Forge show, so they preferred the Oaks for that reason; however, there just were not as many collectors, so they preferred the Valley Forge show for that reason. Along these lines, I felt the dealers at the Oaks show were much more willing to make deals and I got much better prices at Oaks and I think this is a direct reflection to the amount of overhead put on the dealers by the cost of tables at Valley Forge. Another benefit of the Oaks show for collectors.

I think the Oaks show could really take off and become the number one show in the area - they just need to advertise more and get the collectors in there!