Dragons will swoop into Columbus, Ohio tomorrow, when the combined StampShow/National Topical Stamp Show (NTSS) opens this year’s event with the theme, “Here Be Dragons.”
Inspired in part by the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) release of the Mythical Dragon stamps, “Here Be Dragons” was selected as the theme for the nation’s largest philatelic event, which runs until Aug. 12, to highlight the broad appeal of stamp collecting. The combined show is a first for the philatelic community and is made possible by co-ordination between the American Philatelic Society (APS) and its largest affiliate, the American Topical Association (ATA).
“By combining forces, we are greatly enhancing the StampShow/NTSS experience for both collectors and the general public,” said APS Executive Director Scott English. “Dedicating the resources of both the APS and the ATA to a single event offers a lot of interesting opportunities for every collector.”
Bigger than traditional stamp shows, this year’s event includes more than 110 dealers buying and selling stamps, covers and postcards; more than 900 frames of exhibits; more than 30 society booths; and four full days of seminars and scheduled events.
Headlining StampShow/NTSS is the release of four new Mythical Dragons stamps by the USPS, which will feature a virtual reality display at their booth.
The show will also be visited by medieval characters who will talk with attendees about dragon lore while posing for pictures around the show floor.
“This show highlights the fun and creativity of topical collecting,” said ATA show chair John Hamman. “People choose a topic related to their profession or hobby, and enjoy finding the stamps and choosing a way to display them.”
Topical collecting appeals to newcomers to the hobby as well as to long-time country collectors who wish to develop an enjoyable sideline, Hamman added.
“We encourage show visitors to stop by our booth and explore the many facets of topical collecting.”
Four new ‘Mythical Dragons’ stamps will be issued tomorrow by the U.S. Postal Service in conjunction with the upcoming show.
‘YE OLDE PASSPORT’
Another new feature for this year’s show is “Ye Olde Passport,” which is a free, themed guide to sponsor and society booths designed to encourage exploration and collection.
With spaces for the new Mythical Dragons stamps, commemorative show cancellations and society stickers, the passport is a handy souvenir of the stamp show experience.
The combined StampShow/National Topical Stamp Show takes place Aug. 9-12 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center (Exhibit Hall B) in Columbus, Ohio. Show hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. from Thursday to Saturday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday.
The Mythical Dragons stamps will be released at noon tomorrow at the U.S. Postal Service booth.
For more information, visit stamps.org/stampshow.