Impressive Multi-Sport Autograph Lineup Highlights Latest Show at Chantilly
The Show at Chantilly, one of the most popular sports collectibles shows in the country, is returning for 2009 to the Dulles Expo Center from October 30 through November 1. The long standing show will feature an A-list group of autograph guests from multiple sports.
It's a fact of life that there aren't as many sports cards and collectibles shows as there were 10 to 15 years ago. For several reasons, the hobby has contracted since then, and there are fewer collectors and dealers than there used to be.
That doesn't mean that shows have vanished entirely, and well-run examples continue to flourish. One with a long and successful history is held three times a year near Washington D.C. in Chantilly, Virginia, and its most recent edition is set for this coming weekend.
The Show at Chantilly, which has been around for more than a decade, is once again coming to the Dulles Expo Center from October 30 through November 1. And it's bringing with it a large lineup of autograph guests from multiple sports sure to interest collectors of all kinds.
Saturday features big names from the gridiron and the rink. Football fans can get signatures from Hall of Fame quarterback Len Dawson and Sonny Jurgensen, pass-catchers Steve Largent and Ozzie Newsome and sack master Deacon Jones, to name a few. Hockey is represented by all-time great Gordie Howe, along with the man who's arguably the best player in the NHL today, Alexander Ovechkin. Other current Redskins and Capitals players will also be on hand.
Baseball Hall of Famers take center stage on Sunday. Lou Brock, Carlton Fisk, Fergie Jenkins, Harmon Killebrew, Gaylord Perry, Frank Robinson and Ozzie Smith will all be signing on the show's final day.
The forward autograph area at the show has even more autograph guests at more affordable prices. Stars from sports as varied as boxing (Pernell Whitaker) and pro wrestling ("Superstar" Billy Graham) will be found in this area.
The Chantilly show is more than just autographs, as dealers will be selling cards and collectibles of all kinds. Stores and individuals from as far away as Minnesota and Florida will be setting up tables this weekend.
Advance autograph tickets are no longer available online, but can be purchased as soon as the show opens on Friday afternoon. Show hours are 2 to 8 pm on October 30, 9 am to 5 pm on October 31 and 10 am to 4 pm on November 1. Admission is free on Friday and $5 per day for Saturday and Sunday, with a weekend pass good for the final two days on sale for $9.
Full show information is online at the official site of the organization that runs it, the Collectors Showcase of America, at www.csashows.com.
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