The excitement is palpable as organizers and dealers wrapped up preparations last night and this morning for the highly anticipated Royal Philatelic Society of Canada (RPSC) Convention, which opens today in Fredericton.
Running all weekend, from Friday to Sunday, this three-day event is a must-attend gathering for stamp collectors from across the country and beyond. Fredericton is buzzing with energy as the Fredericton & District Stamp Club (FDSC) hosts its first Royal Convention in 25 years, bringing together the best in Canadian philately. After the 2020 cancellation due to COVID-19, the 2024 convention is set to exceed expectations, with local collectors thrilled to finally welcome attendees to New Brunswick’s capital.
“We’re overjoyed to finally host the Royal,” says an excited Rob Lunn, convention chair and long-time FDSC member. “For many local collectors, this is their first chance to experience a show of this scale—and to connect with top dealers and maybe even complete those hard-to-find pieces in their collections.”
With Fredericton’s renowned down-east hospitality, this weekend promises a warm welcome to both seasoned collectors and curious newcomers alike. “We want everyone — collectors and non-collectors — to feel the charm of our city and experience the incredible range of rare philatelic material, especially from Atlantic Canada,” adds Lunn.
Exhibits, Dealers, and Presentations Galore
Dealers from across Canada arrived in Fredericton, N.B., yesterday to set up for the three-day bourse, which opens today at 10 a.m. AT. (Photo by Mike Walsh)
Attendees will be treated to an impressive competitive exhibition featuring award-winning collections, with a strong focus on Atlantic Canadian treasures. The bourse will be buzzing with dealer tables offering everything from affordable finds to high-end rarities.
“We’ve secured exhibits that have already won national and international recognition,” says Lunn. “This is a rare opportunity to see incredible material, including collections from New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland.”
Throughout the weekend, several expert presentations are also on the agenda, including a session by New Brunswick-based stamp designer Jocelyne Saulnier, who will discuss her recent work for Canada Post and sign covers at the show. Garfield Portch, head of the Vincent Graves Greene Philatelic Research Foundation, will share insights into the rise of Chinese forgeries of Canadian stamps on auction sites.
The action-packed weekend will also feature meetings hosted by various philatelic societies, including the British North America Philatelic Society’s Atlantic chapter.
With doors officially opening at 10 a.m. AT, collectors and enthusiasts alike are invited to dive into the philatelic fun starting today! For live coverage of this year’s “royal” event, be sure to check out the Canadian Stamp News Facebook page. Registration and event details are available on the Royal 2024 website at rpscroyal.com.
Don’t miss out — this weekend is set to be the highlight of the Canadian philatelic calendar!