FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — Thousands of collectors packed into a Fresno card show on Saturday, June 20, to scan vendor tables for their favorite sports cards, Pokémon cards, collectibles and merchandise.

Thousands of collectors packed into a Fresno card show on Saturday, June 20, to scan vendor tables for their favorite sports cards, Pokémon cards, collectibles and merchandise (FOX26).

Andrew Chavez, an avid card collector, said he loves the thrill of exchanging with other collectors.

“You see the same vendors, the same people looking to buy and sell, so it just becomes really, really important in that way,” Chavez said. “You kind of build that community with fellow card collectors.”

Chavez said the show leans heavily toward Pokémon.

“In here, it’s about 70% Pokémon and about 30% sports cards,” he said.

Will Robeson of Southpaw Sports Cards said collecting has been a lifelong passion.

“Collecting is very important to me. I’ve bought and sold sports cars my entire life,” Robeson said. He added, “It’s a great hobby for kids to get into. It’s a great way to meet people, handle money, talk to people. I think it’s something that everybody can enjoy.”

Robeson said people are still showing up and spending despite broader economic pressures.

“The Big Fresno Card Show” started two years ago and draws people from across the state.

“We had about 70, 80 tables and now it’s expanded to over 160 vendor tables. Crowds went from 500 to 1,000 over 3,000 to what it is today,” Nathan Diaz, event organizer, said.

Diaz encouraged collectors to focus on what they enjoy rather than price tags.

“Collect what you like. It’s not about the price. It’s about the moment, the experience,” Diaz said. “And if you’re happy with what the item you have, then it’s just as valuable as a thousand dollar card.”

Diaz said he is trying to be the most affordable card show in the Central Valley and is not doing it for a profit.

The event offers free parking, low vendor prices and $5 admission, and allows kids 12 and under to get in free.

To learn more, click HERE.