This Covid scare caused most all train shows to be cancelled this year. I particularly missed going to the Allentown First Frost show and wonder if it will be back for the Spring Thaw. The Greenberg shows seem to have also folowed suit. I'm starting to see some other hobby shows posted on the calendar for 2021 and advertising that they are on. The country can't be kept shut down forever, so my opinion is that they will be back next year.
I agree, this won't last forever.
My collectors club has a show scheduled for November 15th, see my post of September 26th, and we're planning others for 2021.
Also, two of the club's members have gone to "open air" train shows sponsored by Renninger's Antique Market in Pennsylvania recently, so it appears shows are coming back slowly.
I'll "bump" my 9/26 post to the top of the queue as the show date approaches as a reminder for everyone.
There have been some smaller outdoor shows while the weather has been nice here in Indiana. I wasnt able to attend due to manditory overtime at work. Parking lot trains shows selling out of your car/SUV might be the way things are in the warmer climates for awhile till things settle down. I really miss the shows, the dealers I have come to know thru the years. Many of which depend on selling trains to pay their bills. Lets hope we can get back to some sense of normal soon. Mikie
Silly NT's, I have Asperger's Syndrome
Until there is a vaccine, I'll stay away from large indoor gatherings, but our local TCA division here in New England has had a few open-air meets this fall. Not quite as good as the big get togethers, but fun none the less, and I've picked up some real bargains. Our next one (last?) is this Sunday, but if the weather cooperates, we may try again in early november. If you're in New England - details here.
As of right now, the November 21st NMRA show in Danville, Indiana is a go. That could change with the rapid rise in Covid rates right now. I plan to go, not living my life in fear, but will have my mask and will be inside our live steam groups layout most of the day(will do my shopping before the doors open). If the show happens, I expect a light turn out in both dealers and buyers just due to many factors. Doesn't help that the average age of todays model railroader is in the high risk group! Stay safe for those attending events. I am supprised more car/suv parking lot shows have not cropped up here in the states. Even in the cold, I will shop outdoors, did it for years at the Wheaton IL show. I can remember sweeping snow off boxes so I could see what was in them! Got some of my best deals at the parking lot tables and car trunks. Mikie
What is interesting is that there has been many, many gun Shows and Flea markets over the last many months with most not requiring masks and as far as I know no one becoming sick since I see them at the next show! I have also done several living history venues with hundreds of re-enactors and hundreds more visitors with no problems. None of us were staying 6 feet apart and no one was wearing masks. The real problem is getting insurance to hold an event, not the Chinese virus.
I can't help but wonder how many people got "It" without realizing they had "It," got over "It" and just have gotten on with their lives?
Case in point, back in February my wife and I got something we both assumed was the flu. Aches, pains, congestion, temperatures, and the general just feeling lousy, and after four days of Dayquil, Nyquil, and in my case shots of "Virginia Gentleman" bourbon it was gone. Was it "It?" Who knows? But neither one of us has been sick since.
Not to minimize the danger of "It," but plain ol' flu can be just as deadly if you've got other health issues. Hey, it was plain ol' flu that killed Jim Henson. Kills a lot of other people too.
My best friend died September 19th, but it wasn't COVID that killed him, it was a heart attack. You never know.
I would not be comfortable with an indoor show until the vaxines are common. When it gets to the point where signs that say 'free covid vaxines here' are as common as flu shot signs I see everywhere then the shows will start coming back.
I certainly wouldn't mind getting a COVID vaccine shot, as long as I get a lollypop afterward. I hate needles!
I cannot wait until the next train show. People are already going to the Supermarket, Farmers Markets, Liquor stores, Lowes, Home Depot, Motor Vehicle offices, Department Stores like KOHL's, malls, municipal buildings and the like. Some of these places are very crowded and few people are "distancing". I see no absolutely no difference in going to a train show. Open them up and I will be there.
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