The Bridges know "badges and patches" quite well. They also know about our Government Rockets that get blasted into Space carrying Satellites into orbit. By the end of the show this writer was in Orbit.
I used to work with Rockets. I designed the I.O.B.M. That means Into the Ocean by Mistake. Collecting Badges for forty-five years has been no mistake, either for me, or the fine group of men who attended this Show on January 25.
It looked like a sellout. I observed that a couple of collectors brought their wives. I soon learned that they, like my wife Lois, were there to guard the table. They did a great job, but certainly had their own perspective on our hobby. While the guys did the badge and patch stuff, the ladies shared their stories and certainly (I suspect) enjoyed their day too.
The best part of the show was walking around the tables and seeing old friends, or meeting somebody new. With the wife watching my table (sold a few badges for me too) I was able to stroll around for a couple of hours (Can't believe my legs held out that long).
Now this really cool leather badge was on display. It is owned by Hu Freels. He has a dynamite exhibit, and it was no surprise to hear his name called at the end of the Show as Best Overall Winner. His display is, in a word, huge.
As I wandered some more I ran into John Holmes, Rick Amos, Sam Goldstein and Chad Harris. They each had fabulous badges and patches on display and for sale. I got hooked into buying something from Chad when he flashed that big smile of his that seems to say "gotcha." Now I think the wife is mad at me again. She just wants me to sell them. With the cash she took in I was able to exchange it quickly for a nice "Policeman Statue," and some "Matchbox Cars" for my Grandsons.
Around by the back door I saw Doug Sarubbi. He is always around with his lovely daughter, Megan, who helps out year after year. She knows these items, and their value too. Again, it was no surprise to hear Doug's name called as Best Patch Display Winner.
The nice surprise for me was hearing my name called as out as Best Badge Display Winner. My display is pictured below. The Award was appreciated, as were the Memories from this fine Show.
No comments:
Post a Comment