He started the hobby as a kid.
Now, Vernon elementary school teacher Lucas Mitchell wants to pass his love of collecting trading cards to youngsters, and others with similar interests.
Mitchell is the host for Collect-A-Con 2025, set for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 22, at the Vernon Elks Lodge.
“This will mostly be a card show with sports cards, Pokemon, Magic: The Gathering, Yu-Gi-Oh,” said Mitchell. “There will be collectibles, sports memorabilia, plushies, all sorts of things.”
The event includes free admission, and is open to everyone, but Mitchell would love to see kids come and check out why cards have been such a fun pastime in his life, and for millions of others globally over the decades.
“The only way the hobby continues to happen is if kids are involved,” he said, having introduced his love of cards to some of his students at Okanagan Landing Elementary, where he attended as a grade student.
“I want this to become a regular occurrence. If you come, we’ll have more shows.”
Collect-A-Con 2025 has attracted more than 20 vendors, and the vendors will not only be there to buy, sell, and trade cards, they’ll have free swag for the kids to help introduce them to the hobby.
“You can bring your cards to trade with other collectors, or to try to sell to other vendors,” said Mitchell. “It’s a great opportunity to get your cards evaluated, or get some advice from people who have been in the hobby for a long time.”
Posters have been made up for Collect-A-Con and distributed around town (including at The Morning Star). If you see a poster, scan the QR code which will take you directly to the event’s Facebook link. Or check the link in Mitchell’s Instagram page – @whatsuplucmitch.
“If you find a poster, post it on your social media, tag me, and you’ll get a freebie at the event,” said Mitchell.
