18th annual Show of Shows approaches

January 7, 2010

The popular Show of Shows opens in Louisville Feb. 18.

The Ohio Valley Military Society, Inc. once again will sponsor its popular Show of Shows, February 18-21, 2010, at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Kentucky. The officers and directors of the OVMS oversee a collector organization of over 2,200 active members, and sponsors three militaria shows each year; two smaller shows in Wilmington, Ohio, and the very popular Show of Shows in Louisville.

The first Show of Shows was held in Northern Kentucky in 1993. The following year it moved to the downtown Louisville Convention Center, and in 1995, the Kentucky Exposition Center has been the home of the Show of Shows.

This 2010 Show of Shows will have over 600 dealers stocking 1,622 tables of militaria from most all periods of history, and from many, many countries. Militaria offered for sale or trade encompasses the entire spectrum of prices. There is something there for everyone. If a military collectible can be placed on a display table, it likely will be there.

Prominent veteran guests have been a part of the Show of Shows since its beginning, and this year is no exception. The following veteran guests have agreed to attend the 2010 Show of Shows, health and schedules permitting:

John K. Singlaub, MG, USA Ret., WWII, Korea, Vietnam, autobiography, “Hazardous Duty,” Charles E. McGee, Colonel, USAF Ret, Pilot, Tuskegee Airman, John Agnew, Robert Cone, Jake McNiece, and Jack Womer, US Army, WWII, 506 PIR (Filthy 13), Robert L. Williams, 506 PIR, 101st ABN DIV, D-Day veteran and author of “Return to Normandy,” Dean Dudgeon, US Army Ranger, Point Du Hoc, D-Day veteran, Hans Busch, German WWII Luftwaffe, Pilot Me262.

From its meager beginning to this year’s 18th, the Show of Shows has grown in size and scope to where dealer tables are sold out one year in advance. Cancellations are filled from a dealers' waiting list that far exceeds availability. Even with the shows popularity, a few dealers cancel or chose not to return the following year. Openings are filled from those on the waiting list.

If you have yet to attend a Show of Shows, seriously consider traveling to Louisville to see for yourself. Comments from fellow collectors and dealers about their experience are excellent recommendations. But you have to see it for yourself. It may be February outside, but inside, all the collectors, dealers, and public attendees, warms up the show hall.

For more information, visit the OVMS Web site at: www.sosovms.com