Trading card show returns to Gold Country Fair

The Auburn Trading Card Show is returning to the Gold Country Fairgrounds next week, bringing rare collectibles, big-name guests and an opportunity for fans of all ages to experience the world of trading cards. The card show will be at the Gold Country Fair from Sept. 4-7 in the Auburn Lions Building. Organizer Juan Alvarez said the idea to partner with the fair began last year, when the event was first held during fair week. The fit proved to be natural, though not without challenges. "Last year it was interesting because we didn't have AC," Alvarez said. "Now we have the only building at the fairgrounds with it, which is huge for collectibles because cards need to be kept at room temperature. We're really excited to be back." The show runs all four days of the fair and will feature carefully selected vendors offering everything from vintage baseball cards to Pokémon and wrestling memorabilia. Unlike larger one-day card shows, Alvarez said the extended schedule offers a workshop-like atmosphere where collectors can browse, learn and even have their own cards appraised. "This is not only a room to sell cards, this is also a room to support the community and give information to people that want to learn," said Alvarez. "This is kind of like a workshop, a card show and an autograph session all in one." Former San Francisco 49ers players Tom Rathman and John Taylor will appear to sign autographs for fans and Alvarez said to his knowledge, it's the first time in a long time there has been a formal autograph session for a former NFL player in Auburn. Said Alvarez, "It's rare to have guys like that in a smaller town setting." Alongside the autograph guests, vendors will showcase rare items ranging from Mickey Mantle cards and signed jerseys to a first-edition Charizard Pokémon card. Collectors can also expect to see autographs from stars like Kobe Bryant, Joe Montana and even Hollywood icons such as Judy Garland. Adding to the experience, former MMA fighter Ryan Kelly will be on hand offering free card preps, a service that helps collectors determine whether their cards are authentic and potentially worth grading. For Alvarez, the show is as much about building community as it is about buying and selling. "Once the lights turn on, it doesn't matter which vendors might compete outside the show," he said. "We are all here to teach this young kid. We're trying to answer questions and be transparent and show people how to lift up the prices for currency and educate people on trading cards." There will also be an appearance by Bryan Friedman, a well-known content creator in the trading card industry who has generated millions of views. Alvarez said he's excited to return to Auburn for the fair and noted the city is one of his favorite locations to put on a trading card show.