I've fallen down a bit of a rabbit hole recently that's a bit out of character for me.

Usually, I end up watching videos of celebrity interviews, funny cat videos, or even pimple popping videos.

Somehow I've ended up on the trading card side of Tik Tok. It all started when I picked up the 2024 Panini Caitlin Clark Collection Basketball Trading Cards Blaster Box a few months back.

I began looking into how much the individual cards are worth to see if I had snagged anything good. Then I just kept getting videos and posts on social media about WNBA trading cards.

Before I knew it every other video on Tik Tok ended up being unboxing and unwrapping videos for random trading card packs. Now, I've been watching clips of card aficionados going to expos and striking deals with other collectors.

I didn't realize just how big the sports cards collecting world was.

According to a report from Magnify Money, approximately 61% of Americans are self-proclaimed collectors.

17% of this group collect coins, 12% toys or dolls, 12% trading cards, and 12% collect jewelry.

Younger generations of people are most likely to be collectors than older generations.

As I dove deeper into the world of trading cards, I discovered just how big this community is—and there’s a spot for everyone right in Cedar Rapids.

The Greater Cedar Rapids Collectors Expo

An event called the Greater Cedar Rapids Collectors Expo is set to bring together a wide array of collectors.

From comics and sports cards to Pokémon, this expo promises something for collectors of all kinds.

When Is It?

The Greater Cedar Rapids Collectors Expo takes place several times over the year.

One occurred on March 9th and another on September 7th.

The next collectors expo, and the final one of the year it seems will be held on Saturday, November 16th. Doors will open at 9:00 AM and the event will run until 3:00 PM.

 

Where Is It?

This collectors expo will take place at the Local 238 Teamsters Union Hall located at 5000 J St. SW in Cedar Rapids.

There will be forty tables set up for vendors at the event. If you are interested in getting a table and participating in this capacity, you have to call Brett Lewis at 319-450-3834 to reserve your spot.

Also, entry to attend the expo is free!

That's my favorite price...$0.00!

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