Collectables Expo back at the Bingo

After the first show at the Mohawk Bingo was a huge success, the K-Town Collectables Expo will hold a second one-day show this year, this time on November 16 for a holiday show.

Eric Ravenelle, one K-Town’s three organizers along with Will Rice and Mike Brathwaite, said that the second show is taking place due to a lot of demand from vendors and visitors alike.

“For years, people were asking us to do a second show, and we always said no, we can’t do it,” said Ravenelle.

“Doing two two-day shows in a year, it’s a lot of work, and also, it’s a lot of show.”

He said that because it used to be a two-day show at the Kahnawake Sports Complex between lacrosse and hockey season, it was unrealistic to be able to find another period to do a show that would not interfere with the local sports that would give everyone enough time to prepare.

Having one show in June and another in November at the Bingo fixes that problem, he said.

One different problem they will be attempting to fix this time around will be getting everyone who arrives for the start of the expo inside in a timely manner.

In June, a huge line of people waiting to get in formed for about two straight hours, as the first edition of the show at the Bingo suffered a bit from its own success.

Ravenelle said that they have been working on ways of mitigating that issue, especially since it may already be cold or even snowing by then.

There will also be a bigger emphasis on the half-and-half this time around, with money from it being donated to Free Food For Everyone - Iah teiokaraien.

“Now, we’re much more prepared. We needed to fix things, and hopefully this time, everything will run a little bit smoother,” said Ravenelle.

Many of the regular vendors from this summer’s expo will be returning to the show in November, including Kahnawake’s own local games store, Astronomical Comics and Games.

“We’re very excited for the show. We are always in it, and we are grateful to Eric, Will, and Mike for running a great show as always,” said Wihse Delisle, co-owner of Astronomical.

Along with the over 100 kiosks featuring trading cards, new or vintage toys, and artists will be the return of family-friendly activities, including face painting and a bouncy house.

Cosplay groups will also be making their return, as will the outdoor food trucks from local Kahnawake eateries and another pro wrestling show.

There will also be some holiday theming in store for the event to go with its mid-November date.

“It’s still going to be the same K- Town Collectables Expo with all kinds of fun,” said Ravenelle.

The expo will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Entry will be $5, or free for children aged 10 or younger.

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