This weekend, the Hub City CardXPO will take place at the Hagerstown Field House, showcasing a variety of trading cards and collectibles. Scheduled for September 5-6, the event will feature notable guest appearances from former Baltimore Orioles first baseman Rafael Palmeiro and former WWE women's champion Melina, according to event organizers.
The expo, organized by the Chambersburg-based nonprofit Empowered Community Initiative, has expanded to a two-day format following a successful one-day event in 2025. Shawn Flory, the vice president of operations, expressed excitement about the growth of the show, which is being promoted as "Maryland's largest trading card expo." With 600 vendor tables, attendees can expect a wide array of trading card operations.
Among the trading card companies represented at the expo are well-known brands such as Topps, Upper Deck, Bowman, Leaf, and Panini. The selection will not be limited to sports cards; collectors can also find Pokémon, Magic The Gathering, Yu-Gi-Oh!, DragonBall Z, Lorcana, and One Piece cards. Additionally, some vendors will offer memorabilia and food options, enhancing the overall experience for attendees.
The expo will feature free parking, a full bar, food options, and live music provided by DJ CJ. Attendees will have the chance to win part of the $15,000 in giveaways through half-hour drawings. Each person admitted, including children, will receive a ticket for the drawings, adding an exciting element to the event.
Operating hours for the CardXPO are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, September 5, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, September 6. General admission tickets are priced at $10, while VIP access costs $20 and a VIP weekend pass is available for $35. Children aged 10 and under can enter for free. VIP ticket holders will gain early access to the event, starting at 9 a.m. each day, and will have priority access to meet Palmeiro and Melina, along with a custom promotional trading card.
Fans of Rafael Palmeiro can look forward to a meet-and-greet session scheduled for Saturday from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. General admission on Saturday includes one free autograph and a photo opportunity with the former MLB star. Following the photo session, Palmeiro will conduct a free fielding and batting demonstration for children aged 12 and under. Palmeiro, a four-time All-Star and three-time Gold Glove winner, boasts an impressive career record with 569 home runs and 3,020 hits.
On Sunday, Melina will hold her meet-and-greet from noon to 2 p.m., where fans can also receive one free autograph and a photo opportunity with the wrestling icon. The event will feature a Kids Zone with bounce houses, an inflatable basketball hoop, and a large Connect Four game, ensuring entertainment for younger attendees. The first 100 kids each day will receive a free mystery pack containing trading cards.
Empowered Community Initiative has successfully organized over 20 events this year, including shows in various locations such as Chambersburg, Gettysburg, Carlisle, Charles Town, and Williamsport, Pennsylvania, coinciding with the Little League World Series. The Hagerstown CardXPO promises to be a memorable event for collectors and fans alike.
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