Collectors are coming to town

The 35th annual Red Wing Collectors Society Convention will bring thousands of visitors to Red Wing this week from all over the country. Theme is "Stirring up the memories." Headquarters is Red Wing High School.

Official events are Thursday through Saturday, but there'll also be a brat feed Wednesday in the Pottery District, and collectors typically arrive early to check out garage sales and parking lot vendors selling stoneware, art pottery, dinnerware and other locally produced items.

Major events for members on Thursday include the unveiling of the annual commemorative, a presentation by archeologist Dr. Ron Schirmer, the first meeting of a new Young Collectors group, Kids View activities for children, and the annual auction.

On Friday there'll be a business meeting including the announcement of two new Red Wing Collectors Society Hall of Fame nominees, displays, educational seminars and a picnic at Colvill Park.

The public is invited to check it all out Saturday morning. Displays will be open from 8 a.m. until noon, and the show and sale will open to the public at 10:30 a.m.; members may attend at 9 a.m.

The crock hunt also is open to the public. Details about that activity can be found in a special section of the Republican Eagle which will be distributed with the July 6 newspaper.

The convention ends with a banquet at the St. James Hotel; keynote speaker will be author Frederick Johnson.

Membership is open to everyone; cost is $25. People can sign up at the brat feed Wednesday or at the high school during the convention. Only members can purchase commemoratives.

For more information, go online to www.redwingcollectors.org.

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