Collectors event on the cards

PEOPLE will be able to exchange, collect and talk about trading cards at an event next month.

After five conventions held in Victoria’s capital, the Melbourne Card Fair will introduce itself to the regions for the first time on Sunday, 3 July at Buninyong Town Hall.

Cards will range from AFL to Pokémon, and the fair’s founder and director Shane Penrose said he’s keen to meet Ballarat enthusiasts.

“I just want to meet some new collectors,” he said. “It’s a good opportunity for the people in Ballarat but it’s also a good opportunity for us in Melbourne to meet new people and generate some interest.

“This is a new market for traders from Melbourne and something new for Ballarat. I don’t think there’s been anything similar for a while there.”

Cards and memorabilia will be available from over 40 stalls from visiting and local sellers.

Mr Penrose said the fairs are always well-received, and the social component is the most important thing about the fair for him.

“People like to just stop and have a chat with the vendors, and most often know each other through internet dealings and forums,” he said.

“It’s great to see everyone meeting face-to-face and having everyone able to hold these collector’s items in their hands.

“There’s other conventions that are really flashy with lots of offerings. I try to steer away from that. This is basically about collectors connecting.”

Entry is $5 via cash at the door or a pre-booked ticket with proceeds from each ticket going towards 3BA’s Winter Appeal. To book, visit bit.ly/3aRDW8P.