Sports card collectors packed the WLS Convention Centre on March 7 as the Border City Card Show returned for its eighth event, setting multiple attendance records in its first show at the Lloyd Ex.
Read more: Organizer set for biggest card show to date
Organizer Chris Brinklow said the new venue proved to be a hit with vendors and collectors alike.
“We set a record for vendors with 40 and a record for tables with 79,” said Brinklow. “We also set a record for foot traffic. We had just over 500 people come through the door.”
Previous shows, held at the Gold Horse Casino, typically saw between 410 and 425 attendees.
Brinklow said the expanded space at the Lloyd Ex gives organizers room to grow even more in future shows.
“The first time we set up there, we didn’t really know what we had for space,” he said. “Now that we’ve seen the layout, we know we can maybe squeeze another section in and add some more tables.”
The next show is scheduled for Nov. 7, where Brinklow hopes to increase capacity to around 80 or 85 tables.
A major draw for the March show was special guest Ladislav Smid. The former NHL defenceman, best known for his time with the Edmonton Oilers, spent the day signing autographs and meeting fans while helping raise money for the charity I Love Alberta Boobs.
“I love supporting local charities, whatever it is. This is a great cause,” said Smid. “When Chris approached me, I didn’t really think twice about it.”
Fans paid $20 for autographs, with some donating extra to the cause. Brinklow said the response was strong throughout the day.
“Nobody had an issue paying the $20,” he said. “Some people even threw in a couple extra bucks just because.”
Smid also enjoyed reconnecting with collectors and even seeing some memorabilia from his own playing career that he hadn’t encountered before.
“Some of the cards we brought for him to sign were from his time playing in the Czech league,” said Brinklow. “He looked at one and said, ‘I don’t think I’ve ever seen this one before.’”
The recently retired defenceman, who stepped away from hockey due to neck injuries, said he appreciated the warm welcome he received in Lloydminster.
“Today’s been awesome. It was an easy drive with beautiful weather and the reception at the show’s been awesome,” said Smid, who lives in Edmonton. “Interacting with people, signing autographs and raising money for a great cause — it’s been great.”
Smid is no stranger to the Border City, noting he visits frequently.
“I come here quite a bit,” he said. “I was here a few years ago for the Battle of Alberta alumni game, and I also travel here for my son’s hockey games.”
Funds raised at the card show will be combined with proceeds from this Sunday’s Home Business Expo before a final donation total is announced at I Love Alberta Boobs’ Rock for a Cure event, which is scheduled for March 28 at the WLS Convention Centre.
Brinklow said the positive response has already secured future events, including the Nov. 7 show and another planned for April 10, 2027.
Read more: Hobby card show returns to Casino
