Whether it was baseball, hockey, football or Pokémon, the Border City Card Show had it all.
The show drew a crowd of more than 450 card collectors and hobby enthusiasts to the Gold Horse Casino on Nov. 1 and raised $500 for Big Brothers Big Sisters Lloydminster through ticket sales.
Read more: Border City Card Show continues to grow, give
What began as a modest event in 2022 with just 11 tables has now grown into the seventh and largest show yet.
“Vendor-wise, we have 35 to 40 vendors, but some have upwards of four tables, so we have a total of 56 tables, which was every table the casino had available,” said organizer Chris Brinklow. “Those 56 include the stage tables for the all-day Magic: The Gathering tournament.”
Brinklow said the local hobby scene has grown significantly since the first event.
“When we started this show, Border City Games was mostly Pokémon cards and didn’t have hobby boxes for hockey cards. Now their table is full of hockey,” he said. “We also have a new card store in town, Nova Sports Cards, another testament to how this market is growing.”
From Pokémon and hockey to baseball, football, Formula 1, Disney, golf and wrestling, collectors of all interests found something to explore. Attendees also brought their own collections, making trades, buying and selling throughout the day.
“Trading cards are still big,” Brinklow added. “As bad as COVID was for a lot of people, it was great for the hobby market. People got bored, had money in their pockets and started buying up cards.”
He said the hobby is attracting all ages.
“We have kids out here that are seven, eight and nine years old wheeling and dealing, but we also have people who are 50 or 60. It’s all-inclusive. Anyone and everyone.”
Supporting local organizations has been part of the event’s mission since Day 1.
“When we started this event, we wanted to incorporate the community in what we do, so proceeds from every show go back into the community,” said Brinklow.
Past beneficiaries include Bea Fisher and the Olive Tree, with this fall’s show supporting Big Brothers Big Sisters Lloydminster.
“I don’t do this for money. We cover our costs, invest in the next show and invest in the community, too.”
With strong support and growing attendance, organizers are planning a larger venue for next year.
“We can now go from being sold out here at 56 tables to being sold out at the Lloyd Ex’s WLS Convention Centre with 80 tables,” said Brinklow, noting Border City Games is looking at expanding its Magic: The Gathering tournament.
The next show is scheduled for March 7 and will support I Heart Alberta Boobs. Hockey fans will also have a special treat as former Edmonton Oilers defenceman Ladislav Šmíd is set to attend to sign autographs.
As for trends, Brinklow said Pokémon currently leads the market.
“Pokémon has surpassed all sports cards. Whether it’s football, basketball or baseball, Pokémon is top of the league right now.”
Vendor John Dunbar travelled from Medicine Hat to showcase his extensive collection of cards, a hobby he has been passionate about for more than 40 years. This was his third time attending the Border City Card Show and said the event keeps growing, just like his collection.
“I started collecting as a kid and I couldn’t tell you how many cards I have now,” said Dunbar. “It’s great seeing the younger generation get into the hobby.
“You always think gaming might take away from card collecting, but a lot of kids are really into sports and Pokémon cards.”
Dunbar said he’s excited for next year’s expanded event at the Lloyd Ex.
“It’s always good for the hobby when you see things growing. Next year’s bigger venue will bring even more vendors, which is great,” he said, adding his next stop is Exhibition Place in Toronto, Ont.
“Toronto is the biggest show in Canada. They bring in lots of autograph guests and close to 100,000 people through the gates. It’s a big ‘wow’ factor, even for people who have been collecting a long time.”
With growing attendance, strong vendor participation and a commitment to giving back, the Border City Card Show continues to cement itself as a staple in Lloydminster’s hobby community.
The next Border City Card Show will be at the Lloyd Ex’s WLS Convention Centre on March, 15, 2026.
Read more: Hobby card show returns to Casino
